--- title: "Interpret: wisdom and emancipation (Russell)" subject: "Communication English" chapter: 1 key: "semester_5/communication_english:interpret-wisdom-emancipation" source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/communication_english/interpret-wisdom-emancipation site: BCT Engineering --- # Interpret: wisdom and emancipation (Russell) Communication English · Chapter 1: Intensive Reading - Asked in: 2072 Chaitra, 5 marks - Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14 - Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/communication_english/interpret-wisdom-emancipation - Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_5/communication_english/chapter-1 ## Question Give the interpretation of the following text: It is not only in public ways, but in private life equally, that wisdom is needed. [passage of about 300 words on wisdom as emancipation from the tyranny of the here and the now, impartiality and growth in wisdom] ... Can wisdom in this sense be taught? And, if it can, should the teaching of it be one of the aims of education? I should answer both these question in the affirmative. ## Short answer Russell says wisdom is needed in private life as in public affairs. Wisdom is emancipation from the tyranny of the here and now, meaning freeing oneself from selfish, immediate, narrow concerns toward impartiality. It grows by taking in more people and the wider world, and can and should be taught as an aim of education. ## Answer Bertrand Russell argues that wisdom is needed in private life as much as in public affairs, and that it is chiefly freedom from the narrow, self-centred view that sees only the present moment and one's own interests. #### Explanation - **Wisdom in private life.** People need wisdom not only in politics and world affairs but in daily personal matters, such as dealing with family, friends and their own feelings. - **Tyranny of the here and the now.** Most people are naturally ruled by what is immediate and near: their own pain, desires and passing moods. Russell calls this a tyranny. Wisdom is emancipation, or release, from it. - **Impartiality.** The wise person tries to see things as they are, not only as they affect himself. He takes a wider view of time, place and people, and does not let personal feeling distort his judgement. - **Growth in wisdom.** A child at first thinks only of himself. As he grows, his thoughts and feelings take in more people and a wider world, so that his own troubles seem small in a larger picture. This gradual approach towards impartiality is growth in wisdom. - **Can it be taught?** Russell answers yes to both questions: wisdom, understood in this sense, can be taught, and teaching it should be one of the aims of education. #### Message True wisdom means a broad, impartial outlook that frees us from selfish and short-sighted thinking, and education should aim to develop it. ## Check yourself The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why. 1. Where does Russell say wisdom is needed? A. Only in politics B. Only in universities C. Only in old age D. In private life as well as public affairs Answer: D. It is needed in dealing with family, friends and feelings. (Key point: Where wisdom is needed) 2. What is the 'tyranny of the here and the now'? A. Being ruled by immediate, near things such as one's own pain and desires B. Rule by a king C. Strict time-keeping D. Living in a city Answer: A. Wisdom is emancipation from this. (Key point: Tyranny of here and now) 3. What does an impartial, wise person do? A. Follows his feelings B. Sees things as they are, with a wider view of time, place and people C. Ignores facts D. Looks only to his advantage Answer: B. Personal feeling does not distort his judgement. (Key point: Impartiality) 4. What is Russell's answer on teaching wisdom? A. No, it is innate B. It can be taught but not in schools C. Yes, it can be taught and should be an aim of education D. It should be avoided Answer: C. He answers both questions in the affirmative. 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