Fear is the main source of superstition, and one of the main

Bertrand Russell, philosopher of reason and defender of truth, declared with the clarity of a prophet: “Fear is the main source of superstition, and one of the main sources of cruelty. To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom.” In these words he unmasks the root of much human misery. For fear is the shadow that distorts the mind, making men bow before false gods and strike out in blind hatred. Only by mastering fear can the spirit rise into light, and only then can true wisdom begin.

Superstition is born when men, trembling before the unknown, invent chains for themselves. Fearing storms, they worship idols; fearing death, they cling to charms; fearing fate, they surrender reason. In every age, fear has bred falsehoods that enslave rather than liberate. Russell, a child of modern science, saw that when fear rules the mind, truth cannot dwell within it. To free the spirit from superstition is not merely to know more, but to fear less.

But fear does worse—it breeds cruelty. The tyrant fears rebellion, and so he oppresses; the bigot fears difference, and so he persecutes; the mob fears change, and so it destroys. Inquisition, slavery, and countless wars were kindled by fear disguised as righteousness. When men tremble at what they do not understand, they often strike first, believing violence will shield them. Thus fear is not only weakness; it is a weapon that wounds the innocent.

History gives us stark examples. In the Salem witch trials, fear of the devil drove entire communities to madness. Neighbors accused neighbors, and innocent women were hanged. Knowledge was present, faith was professed, but fear twisted both into cruelty. Yet centuries later, when reason and compassion prevailed, superstition was unmasked for what it was: fear clothed in false holiness. Here Russell’s words come alive—only by conquering fear can justice and wisdom flourish.

O children of tomorrow, take this lesson to heart: let not fear be your master. Face the unknown with courage, meet the stranger with compassion, embrace change with steady heart. For every superstition you cast aside, for every cruelty you refuse, the light of wisdom grows brighter within you. Russell’s voice thunders across the ages: the conquest of fear is not the end, but the beginning of wisdom, the first step toward a life free, just, and radiant with truth.