4.3 Intellectual Rubbish - Std 9 - Kumarbharati

Author: Bertrand Russell

Genre: Reflective Essay

Textbook: English Kumarbharati – Std X

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary

“Intellectual Rubbish” by Bertrand Russell is a reflective essay that explores the common errors of human thinking and how to avoid them. The writer explains that foolish opinions often arise from prejudice, fear, pride, and blind belief. Using examples like Aristotle’s false notion about women’s teeth, Russell shows how simple observation can prevent errors. He advises people to travel, meet those with different opinions, and test their own beliefs through logical questioning. Russell also warns against anger in debates, blind nationalism, self-esteem-based pride, and superstitions born out of fear. Instead, he encourages courage, open-mindedness, and awareness of bias. The essay concludes that although foolish beliefs may never fully disappear, a wise person must think critically, accept differences, and overcome fear to live a meaningful life.

Theme / Central Idea

The essay highlights the importance of rational thinking and open-mindedness. Bertrand Russell conveys that to avoid intellectual errors, one must question blindly accepted beliefs, overcome fear and prejudice, and cultivate tolerance for opposing opinions.

Character Sketches

Bertrand Russell (Narrator)

• Physical Traits: Not described in the lesson.

• Personality and Behaviour: Logical, rational, critical thinker, open-minded.

• Important Actions: Uses examples from history, philosophy, and society to point out human errors.

• Values/Qualities: Advocates truth, courage, tolerance, and rational analysis.

  
  

Aristotle (Example Figure)

• Physical Traits: Ancient philosopher (not detailed here).

• Personality: Highly intelligent but sometimes careless in observation.

• Important Action: Believed women had fewer teeth than men without verifying.

• Qualities: Great thinker, but shows how even wise men can commit errors.

Prophetess (Example Figure)

• Traits: A religious fraud in New York (1820).

• Personality: Clever, manipulative, deceptive.

• Important Action: Tricked her followers by claiming she could walk on water.

• Qualities: Example of blind faith and people’s susceptibility to superstition.

Word Meanings

Grammar Questions

1. Infinitive/Gerund

   Sentence: Aristotle could have avoided the mistake by counting the teeth.

   Q: Pick out the gerund.

   Ans: Counting

   
   

2. Passive Voice

   Sentence: He thought he knew.

   Q: Change into passive voice.

   Ans: It was thought by him that he knew.

   
   

3. Modal

   Sentence: We must conquer fear.

   Q: Replace “must” with another suitable modal.

   Ans: We should conquer fear.

   
   

4. Tense / Transformation

   Sentence: Fear is the main source of superstition.

   Q: Change into past tense.

   Ans: Fear was the main source of superstition.

   
   

5. Wh-question

   Sentence: The prophetess deceived her followers.

   Q: Frame a Wh-question.

   Ans: Who did the prophetess deceive?

   
   

Personal Response Questions

1. Do you agree with Russell that anger in debates shows weakness of reasoning? Why?

   Ans: Yes, anger in debates usually shows lack of strong reasoning. When we are confident in facts, we argue calmly. Anger reflects insecurity and unwillingness to accept different views, which weakens logical discussion.

   
   

2. What is your opinion about superstition in society?

   Ans: Superstitions still exist in many forms in society. They give temporary comfort but stop people from thinking rationally. In my opinion, education and logical thinking are the only ways to overcome such blind beliefs.

   
   

3. How can travel make a person less prejudiced?

   Ans: Travel exposes us to new cultures and ways of thinking. It helps us realise that no nation or culture is perfect and that every society has strengths and weaknesses. This experience reduces prejudice and makes us open-minded.

   
   

4. Do you think fear is the main cause of cruelty?

   Ans: Yes, fear often drives people towards cruelty and superstition. When people are afraid, they may act irrationally, harm others, or believe in false ideas for comfort. Conquering fear with courage is necessary for wisdom.

   
   

True or False

1. Aristotle checked his wife’s teeth before writing. – False

   
   

2. Russell believed travel reduces prejudice. – True

   
   

3. Fear is described as the root of superstition. – True

   
   

4. The Chinese gave up their customs after meeting the Manchus. – False

   
   

5. The essay concludes that foolish beliefs will fully vanish. – False

   
   

Probable Board Questions

1. Why does Bertrand Russell warn against anger in debates?

   Ans: He warns because anger usually arises when evidence is weak. Calm reasoning is stronger than emotional reactions, and anger shows insecurity in one’s beliefs.

   
   

2. How does Russell explain that even great thinkers commit errors?

   Ans: By giving Aristotle’s example about women’s teeth, Russell shows that even wise men can make mistakes when they assume instead of observing facts.

   
   

3. How can imaginary dialogues help reduce dogmatism?

   Ans: Imaginary dialogues with people of opposite views make us realise the strength of other arguments. This reduces arrogance and encourages open-minded thinking.

   
   

4. What are the dangers of self-esteem-based opinions?

   Ans: Such opinions blind people to truth. They make individuals believe their sex, nation, or culture is superior, which creates bias and prevents fair judgment.

   
   

5. How does fear lead to superstition and cruelty?

   Ans: Fear creates myths and false beliefs for comfort. It may also make people act cruelly towards others due to insecurity, thus becoming a major source of error.

   
   

Appreciation / Reflection Paragraph

“Intellectual Rubbish” by Bertrand Russell is memorable because it challenges us to question blind beliefs and prejudices. The essay explains, with examples, how foolish ideas can arise from ignorance, pride, or fear. Russell encourages us to observe facts carefully, respect opposing opinions, and overcome fear with courage. His advice about travel, open-mindedness, and rational thinking is practical even today. The essay also shows how superstition and false pride affect human behaviour. The reflection on human limitations makes readers humble and thoughtful. In conclusion, the lesson inspires students to think logically, act wisely, and live with tolerance and courage.

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