The life of the instinctive man is shut up within the circle of his private interests
 Bertrand Russell, The Problems of Philosophy (1912). copy citation

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Author Bertrand Russell
Source The Problems of Philosophy
Topic interest life
Date 1912
Language English
Reference
Note
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/5827/5827-h/5827-h.htm

Context

“Apart from its utility in showing unsuspected possibilities, philosophy has a value—perhaps its chief value—through the greatness of the objects which it contemplates, and the freedom from narrow and personal aims resulting from this contemplation. The life of the instinctive man is shut up within the circle of his private interests: family and friends may be included, but the outer world is not regarded except as it may help or hinder what comes within the circle of instinctive wishes. In such a life there is something feverish and confined, in comparison with which the philosophic life is calm and free.” source