The Conquest of the Useless: An Unconventional Guide to Civilization

By Bertrand Russell

First published in 1932, Conquest of the Useless is a philosophical treatise by Bertrand Russell. It argues that civilization is based on the pursuit of useless knowledge and activities, and that this is a good thing.

Conquest of the Useless: Reflections from the Making of Fitzcarraldo

by Werner Herzog

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1098 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	322 pages

FREE

Russell begins by defining "useless" as anything that does not contribute directly to the survival or reproduction of the human species. This includes art, music, literature, philosophy, and science. He then argues that these useless things are essential for a good life.

Russell's argument is based on the idea that humans have a need for something more than mere survival. We need to find meaning and purpose in our lives, and we need to create things that are beautiful and inspiring. Useless things are the ones that help us to do this.

Russell also argues that the pursuit of useless things is essential for progress. He points out that many of the most important scientific discoveries were made by people who were not trying to solve any practical problem. They were simply curious about the world around them, and they wanted to understand it better.

Russell's book is a powerful defense of the importance of useless things. He shows that these things are not only good for us, but they are also essential for the progress of civilization.

The Importance of Useless Things

In a world that is increasingly focused on efficiency and productivity, it is easy to see how useless things might be undervalued. After all, why should we spend time and resources on things that don't seem to have any practical purpose?

But as Russell argues, useless things are actually essential for a good life. They give us pleasure, they inspire us, and they help us to understand the world around us. They also play a vital role in the progress of civilization.

Here are a few examples of useless things that have made the world a better place:

• Art: Art has the power to move us, inspire us, and make us see the world in new ways. It can also help us to understand our own emotions and experiences.
• Music: Music has the power to soothe our souls, uplift our spirits, and bring people together. It can also be used to express our emotions and tell stories.
• Literature: Literature can transport us to other worlds, teach us about history, and help us to understand the human condition. It can also be a source of great pleasure and inspiration.
• Philosophy: Philosophy helps us to understand the world around us, our place in it, and the meaning of life. It can also help us to develop our critical thinking skills and our ability to reason.
• Science: Science has led to countless discoveries that have improved our lives, from the development of vaccines to the invention of the computer. But science also has a useless side, which is driven by curiosity and a desire to understand the world around us.

These are just a few examples of the many useless things that have made the world a better place. So next time you're tempted to dismiss something as useless, remember that it might actually be one of the most important things in your life.

The Conquest of the Useless is a timely and important book. It reminds us that the pursuit of useless things is not a waste of time, but is essential for a good life and for the progress of civilization. So let us all embrace our inner uselessness, and let us never stop exploring the world around us.

Image of Bertrand Russell by Elliott & Fry, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Conquest of the Useless: Reflections from the Making of Fitzcarraldo

by Werner Herzog

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1098 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	322 pages

FREE