Bertrand Russell, as quoted in Look (New York, 23 February 1954).
• Cf. Russell (1928), Sceptical Essays, «It is obvious that "obscenity" is not a term capable of exact legal definition; in the practice of the Courts, it means "anything that shocks the magistrate".»
• Cf. Russell (1928), Sceptical Essays, «It is obvious that "obscenity" is not a term capable of exact legal definition; in the practice of the Courts, it means "anything that shocks the magistrate".»
“
Obscenity is whatever happens to shock some elderly and ignorant magistrate.
— Bertrand Russell on Obscenity
What It Means
This is a placeholder explanation generated by the low-overhead model. It interprets "Obscenity is whatever happens to shock some elderly and ignorant magistrate." in the context of "Bertrand Russell, as quoted in Look (New York, 23 February 1954).
• Cf. Russell (1928), Sceptical Essays, «It is obvious that "obscenity" is not a term capable of exact legal definition; in the practice of the Courts, it means "anything that shocks the magistrate".»" to mean that wisdom is timeless.
Source: Wikiquote: "Obscenity" (Quotes)
The 'What it means' explanation text was generated by Google Gemini Flash (accessed February 08, 2026). https://gemini.google.com/app
About Bertrand Russell
Bertrand Arthur William Russell, 3rd Earl Russell (May 18, 1872 – February 2, 1970) was a British philosopher, logician, mathematician, historian, and social critic. In 1950, he was awarded a Nobel Prize in Literature.
About Bertrand Russell
Bertrand Arthur William Russell, 3rd Earl Russell (May 18, 1872 – February 2, 1970) was a British philosopher, logician, mathematician, historian, and social critic. In 1950, he was awarded a Nobel Prize in Literature.
View all quotes →