Education and the Good Life

By Bertrand Russell

Early 20th-century philosopher, mathematician, historian, and social critic Bertrand Russell once again offers a refreshing and insightful look at the way in which we raise and educate our children and the effect it has on the kind of adults they become. Once again Russell demonstrates how timeless and unresolved some issues remain—be they war, religion, politics, or ... in this instance ... education.

Russell sets out his views on the four important characteristics of an ideal character: vitality, courage, sensitiveness, and intelligence, and then proceeds to take the audience on the ideal educational journey of a child, from infancy to adulthood. Although published in 1926, the insights in this work continue to apply today—perhaps more than ever.

00 - Introduction

Part I. Education and the Good Life

01- Chapter 1. Postulates of Modern Educational Theory

02- Chapter 2. The Aims of Education

Part II. Education of Character

03- The First Year

04- Fear

05- Play and Fancy

06- Constructiveness

07- Selfishness and Property

08- Truthfulness

09- Punishment

10- Importance of Other Children

11- Affection and Sympathy

12- Sex Education

13- The Nursey-School

Part III. Intellectual Education

14- General Principles

15- The School Curriculum Before Fourteen

16- Last School Years

17- Day Schools and Boarding Schools

18- The University

19- Conclusion