Bertrand Russell’s reply to Oswald Mosley is a burn that has stood the test of time
The philosopher Bertrand Russell was a pacifist socialist, and as such held completely opposing views to those of the prominent British Fascist, Oswald Mosley. After sending Russell some of his books, Mosley invited him to lunch to discuss their world views, and this is the letter he received in reply.
Now, that’s a shutdown that would make Twitter proud. Consider yourself blocked, Mr. Mosley. The image was shared by publishing director, Simon Prosser, who said this.
How to turn down lunch with a fascist — BERTRAND RUSSELL to Oswald Mosley, 1962 pic.twitter.com/2ZDR80Wriv
— Simon Prosser (@HamishH1931) October 11, 2019
And we also got to see the original.
Here’s a copy of the letter. pic.twitter.com/TL95mKb84f
— furtho (@furtho) October 12, 2019
People were impressed by his unequivocal refusal, leaving comments like these.
CC: Everyone on my timeline looking for the words to decline holidays with bigots. https://t.co/AKsZOEMI2U
— Fiqah (@sassycrass) October 15, 2019
This is how I’m going to respond to hateful trolls from now on, by posting this letter: https://t.co/unyTlWdpCi
— Jayne (@TheWomanfredi) October 12, 2019
So that’s a “maybe” then?
— Mark Brierley (@MarkBrierley1) October 12, 2019
Not everybody thought steely politeness was the way to go.
“Eat shit and die, you cancerous bleb on humanity’s rectum.” also works. https://t.co/5qNMbfZXMK
— TheWholeTruthXX (@TheWholeTruthXX) October 12, 2019
Twitter user @craisonline noted the strength of the words.
Yes hello, I have information regarding a cold case murder? https://t.co/eOYHtHEwOp
— Crais Wright (@craisonline) October 12, 2019
Can’t argue with that.
