Bertrand Russell on the advantages of useless knowledge

Bertrand Russell famously advocated the advantages of useless knowledge. He wrote in his essay "Useless" Knowledge, that, as the societies for the diffusion of useful knowledge began, people “forgot all about useless knowledge, which is much pleasanter."

He continued, arguing that “the most important advantage of ‘useless’ knowledge is that it promotes a contemplative habit of mind." He then contended that learning about unusual or curious things “makes pleasant things more pleasant,” noting that he enjoyed peaches and apricots more once he learned where they originated, how they got to Europe, and the etymology of the word apricot.

Certainly a nice thought for the weekend.