Immediate unhappiness combined with reflection generates metaphysical optimism about super-sensible worlds

Evidence

It is, therefore, not those who enjoy instinctive happiness who invent the kinds of metaphysical optimism that depend upon belief in the reality of a super-sensible world. — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 1141

Categorization

• corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 1141
• XREF: connects to: General social collapse redirected people from earthly joy to heavenly hope — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 1196; Electricity’s invisibility fueled idealist religious and philosophical thought — James W. Carey, Communication as Culture- Essays on…, 784; Plato’s rational interpretation of love ignited a supra-rational enthusiasm. — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 585 (+5 more)

Broader Connections

• General social collapse redirected people from earthly joy to heavenly hope #exemplifies (0.70) — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 1196