WHAT MUST WE DO
In this section, Russell wanted us to, “look fair and square at the world – its good facts, its bad facts, its beauties and its ugliness.” He then proposed that we “conquer the world by intelligence”. He wanted to use intelligence to implement knowledge, kindliness, and courage into a needy world.
However, intelligence, by itself is insufficient to solve our problems. In his essay, “Can Religion Cure Our Troubles” Part II, he admitted, "That the world is in a bad way is undeniable.” Furthermore, the evils resulting from any system of dogmas presented for acceptance, not on the ground of truth … applies equally to Christianity, Communism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and all theological systems …." It must be noted that the leaders of these institutions were all intelligent men (and women).
However, their lust for power, greed, inflated egos, whatever, made their intelligence blind. For example, Hitler thought that he was right and just, to slaughter the Jews. For all his brilliance, he was blind. Therefore, intelligence, by itself is insufficient to solve our problems. To get working solutions, we must have understanding.
The Bible tells us that, “Knowledge of the holy is understanding.” When we compare ourselves to ourselves, it is hard to know what is truly evil. The other person will tell us that we are wrong, and that they are right. But when we compare ourselves to God, and his holiness, we can then begin to understand how corrupt our hearts are. Jesus once told us, For from within out of the heart of men proceed evil thoughts. The inhumane actions of humans toward humans come from the heart of a person, and not from a semi-arbitrary set of dogmas, which some religion/philosophy preaches.
Yet, Russell refused to admit this. Russell thought, “When you hear people in church debasing themselves and saying that they are miserable sinners, all the rest, it seems contemptible, and not worthy of self-respecting human beings.” Russell did not want to admit that he was a ‘sinner’. But then, neither did Hitler, Stalin, nor the numerous religious leaders. It is easy to point out the sins of others. But it is harder to be willing to confess one’s own sins.
Only by admitting the core of the problem, that we are sinners and need God’s help, can we hope to make real progress. Prof Russell erred by refusing to admit the core problem.