"What I Believe" is the title of two essays by Bertrand Russell (1925) and E.M. Forster (1938) espousing humanism.
Several other authors have also written works with the same title, alluding to either or both of these essays.
E.M. Forster says that he does not believe in creeds; but there are so many around that one has to formulate a creed of one’s own in self-defense. Three values are important to Forster: tolerance, good temper and sympathy.
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"What I Believe" is the title of two essays by Bertrand Russell (1925) and E.M. Forster (1938) espousing humanism.
Several other authors have also written works with the same title, alluding to either or both of these essays.
E.M. Forster says that he does not believe in creeds; but there are so many around that one has to formulate a creed of one’s own in self-defense. Three values are important to Forster: tolerance, good temper and sympathy.
Forster argues that one should invest in personal relationships: “one must be fond of people and trust them if one is not to make a mess of life”. In order to do so, one must be reliable in one’s relationships. Reliability, in turn, is impossible without natural warmth. Forster contrasts personal relationships with causes, which he hates. In an often quoted sentence he argues: “If I had to choose between betraying my country and betraying my friend I hope I should have the guts to betray my country”. He goes on to explain:
Such a choice may...
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