We, after our basic needs are met, will always want to know about our place in the universe and books like this one gives us more guidance than most. I read other modern books by atheist that think as Russell did about that.
He wrote for both the academy and the general public and was a prolific correspondent. Spinoza had dismissed that 250 years earlier, because as Spinoza had said it is obviously an allegory about the nation of Israel. Russell was a brilliant academic and philosopher who authored more than seventy books and more than two thousand essays on topics such as philosophy, ethics, education, science, and mathematics. Russell criticizes Jesus cursing the fig tree. There was one argument that I found silly. Oh, how I hate the argument that morality proves the existence of God and the other tired old tropes all of which are refuted in this book. Who created God (or Bob, or the Super AI)? We can just as easily say the universe has always existed or even more intelligently not make a statement on what we don't know beyond the best facts known. 'Everything that is needs a cause, therefore God (or Bob or the Super AI) must exist'. I still hear the special pleading arguments which were outlined in this book used by people today even after they have been shot down in this book. The Euthyprho dilemma explained in terms of God's fiat is the first time I've ever really understood it. 'Love with knowledge' is our guide for morality. If you are a human being and have your basic needs met and have time to reflect about yourself and the nature of being human, these essays should be required reading. Used as evidence in a 1940 court case in which Russell was declared unfit to teach college-level philosophy, What I. Incredibly good well written set of essays that flow together.
All earthlings can profit from these essays
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