Political Ideals
Jul 2025 · BEYOND BOOKS HUB
Ebook
60
Pages
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About this ebook
Political Ideals by Bertrand Russell, one of the 20th century’s most influential philosophers, is a concise yet profoundly thought-provoking exploration of the political, social, and economic structures that shape human freedom and dignity. Written during the First World War, the book is both a critique of existing systems—capitalism, wage labor, nationalism—and a call for a new, humane political order rooted in liberty, creativity, and justice. Russell envisions a society in which individual development and well-being are the central goals of political arrangements. Across five tightly argued chapters, he challenges the assumptions of both capitalism and authoritarian socialism, asserting that neither truly respects the liberty or the creative potential of individuals. Key themes and chapters include: Chapter I – Political Ideals: Russell articulates a vision of a just society grounded in liberty, economic fairness, and intellectual development. Chapter II – Capitalism and the Wage System: A critique of economic exploitation and the loss of personal agency under capitalist labor structures. Chapter III – Pitfalls in Socialism: An honest analysis of how centralized socialism can become oppressive if it neglects freedom and personal growth. Chapter IV – Individual Liberty and Public Control: A plea for balance between personal freedoms and the regulatory needs of the collective. Chapter V – National Independence and Internationalism: Advocating peace and global cooperation over nationalism and imperialism. Russell’s brilliance lies in his rational, humanistic approach—eschewing dogma for logic and ethics. He calls not merely for reform but for a moral revolution in how societies are organized, one that promotes both collective responsibility and individual fulfillment. A timeless essay in the tradition of liberal and progressive thought, Political Ideals remains essential reading for anyone interested in social justice, political theory, and ethical governance. Russell’s voice is as relevant today as it was in his time, offering clarity in the face of ideological extremism.
About the author
Bertrand Russell (1872–1970) was a British philosopher, logician, mathematician, and social critic, widely regarded as one of the 20th century’s greatest thinkers. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1950. Known for his works on philosophy, ethics, education, and political reform, Russell was a lifelong advocate of rationalism, peace, and individual liberty.
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