Bertrand Russell (3rd Earl Russell) was from a liberal aristocratic family who were located in Monmouthshire, Wales in the Victorian era. His parents, Viscount and Viscountess Amberley, were known for unorthodox views (for their time) about morality, women's rights, and religion. He was born in 1872 but didn't get to know his parents as both of them died while he was still very young. He subsequently went to live with his grandparents in Pembroke Lodge near Richmond Park in London, along with his older brother Frank (2nd Earl Russell).

Their grandfather was former Prime Minister Earl Russell who was elderly and infirm by this time. Their grandmother, Countess Russell (Frances), was active and had strong views on religion and social justice, and stood up to defend particular principles - although she kept an open mind and was prepared to consider new theories or ideas. Her influence seemed to stay with Russell during his life.

Russell was left to his own devices and commented later that he felt isolated during his younger years. He was educated at home and influenced by some of the books his brother introduced him to - in particular the life story of Euclid - a fourth century Greek mathematician and an early founder of geometry. He also considered religious dogma in his late teens, and after drawing his own conclusions, decided to become an atheist.

He went on to study mathematics and philosophy at Trinity College, Cambridge in 1890, and remarked that he was grateful to be around a more social environment. He graduated in 1893 and became a fellow in 1895.

During his early work, he discovered a paradox in the formulations of a specific field called foundations of mathematics, which was concerned with theories about the logical and philosophical nature of mathematics. Analysis of this continued over some time and was concluded by the publication of the work Principia Mathematica, written in collaboration with fellow philosopher Alfred North Whitehead. The first of three volumes was published in 1910. This confirmed Russell as a leader in his field and his work was considered to be an important contribution to the subject.

Bertrand Russell's interests began to change after this intense academic period and he began to pursue a different and broader path. He went on to write about a variety of subjects including philosophy, education, religion, and social issues. To reach a wider audience, he also started to write in a style anyone could understand - not just academics. He received the Nobel prize for literature in 1950.

Russell was well-known as an active pacifist. He made a stand against conscription and became an anti-war campaigner. He had views on both world wars, the Russian revolution, the conflict in Vietnam, nuclear arms, and the Suez Crisis, to name a few. However, he also considered exceptions and referred to his views as relative political pacifism.

His active anti-war involvement brought him to the attention of the both the public and the authorities. He opposed World War I and was imprisoned for six months in 1916 as a result of writing an article about his views (which also seemed to signal the end of his time at Trinity until he was re-elected in 1944). He was arrested again in 1961 (aged 89). This time, he was detained for civil disturbance at a mass demonstration against the UK's hosting of nuclear arms on behalf of the USA.

In some ways, Russell's outlook on life and love echoed that of his parents - he was always free in spirit, sometimes controversial, and stood up for the rights of others. He also became involved in social and humanitarian issues, such as marriage and sexuality, and reformation of the laws that repressed the expression of homosexuality. He was a fascinating combination of intellect and dry humour, and was a man who was not afraid to speak out or take action. Inevitably, this sometimes resulted in strong criticism or questions about his work. His commitment to particular views also had negative personal consequences at times.

Betrand Russell died in 1970 aged 97. He is a rare connection with the past in that his views and philosophies were captured during filmed interviews towards the end of his life. This meant he could pass on his own story and the historic events he witnessed in his own words.

Online references include the The Bertrand Russell Society which aims to promote his life and work, and much of his extensive output is also available online as resources or books.

By Matt Sheen July MMXX - See video playlist for references

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