Bertrand Russell 1872

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influence of Friedrich Froebel

Bertrand Russell 1872 - 1970

philosopher: Nobel Prize for Literature in 1950

"The good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge."

In his autobiography, Bertrand Russell wrote about his positive experiences in kindergarten where the influence of Froebel was found.

Three passions, simple but overwhelmingly strong, have governed my life: the longing for love, the search for knowledge, and unbearable pity for the suffering of mankind.
What I Have Lived For

The importance of educated mothers is discussed by Russell in "On Education". Together with his second wife, he opened and ran an experimental school at Beacon Hill during the late 1920s and early 1930s. This philosopher's outspoken education views merit more serious consideration.

His last essay concludes with these words:

"There is an artist imprisoned in each one of us. Let him loose to spread joy everywhere."

In England, the Froebel Society was founded in 1874 to promote kindergarten education and the Education Institute followed in 1892. Records relating to the Society including material on child development and infant education are held at The Froebel Archive for Childhood Studies which is particularly rich in material by and about Friedrich Froebel and the growth of the Froebel movement.