Much that passes as idealism is disguised hatred or disguised

The words of Bertrand Russell strike like a blade that cuts through illusion: “Much that passes as idealism is disguised hatred or disguised love of power.” In this, he warns us that not all lofty words are pure, nor all noble banners true. Many who speak of virtue, justice, or truth do so not from love of mankind, but from hidden hungers—some to dominate, some to destroy. Thus, the greatest danger lies not in the open tyrant, but in the cloaked zealot whose mask of righteousness conceals the fire of ambition.

Idealism, when genuine, seeks the good of all; but when corrupted, it becomes a weapon sharper than any sword. Men declare that they fight for liberty, but in secret they crave dominion. Others cry out for morality, but what they seek is vengeance. The cloak of noble words deceives the many, and whole nations may follow with fervor, unaware that they march not toward paradise but toward chains.

History bears witness to this. The French Revolution began with cries for liberty, equality, fraternity, but soon the streets of Paris ran red with the blood of innocents. The voices that once demanded justice grew drunk with power, cloaking their fury in the mantle of idealism. The guillotine, raised in the name of virtue, became the tool of terror. Thus we see Russell’s warning fulfilled: that behind the mask of high ideals may lurk hatred, merciless and blind.

Yet there are also those who reveal the nobler path. Consider Mahatma Gandhi, who clothed his struggle in simplicity, humility, and truth. His idealism was not disguise but reality, for he sought no throne, no empire, no personal glory. His strength lay not in domination but in renunciation. Where others used the name of justice to seize power, Gandhi used it to serve, to suffer, and to uplift. He stands as proof that true idealism is not self-serving but self-emptying.

Therefore, let this teaching endure: test the spirit of every vision. Ask whether it springs from love or from ambition, from justice or from vengeance. For the world has been led astray too often by those who wrapped hatred in noble robes. Only by discerning the heart beneath the banner can we walk safely. Let us remember Russell’s wisdom, and pass it on, that future generations may not be deceived by the glitter of false ideals, nor enslaved by the hidden love of power.