Quote by Bertrand Russell
For over two thousand years it has been the custom among earnest moralists to decry happiness as something degraded and unworthy
Summary
This quote suggests that throughout history, serious moralists have often criticized happiness, viewing it as a base and unworthy pursuit. These individuals may believe that indulging in personal happiness distracts from more noble or virtuous pursuits. They might argue that dedicating oneself solely to happiness can undermine one's moral character or be deemed superficial. This viewpoint highlights a longstanding debate between the pursuit of personal fulfillment and the idea of prioritizing a higher moral or societal responsibility.