what does this quote mean? "everyman, wherever he goes, is encompassed by a cloud of comforting convictions, which move with him like flies on a summer day" by Bertrand Russel.

Question

can somebody help me with this. thx

Answer 1

There used to be a character in the very popular comic strip "Peanuts" called Pigpen:
http://www.snoopy.com/comics/peanuts/meet_the_gang/meet_pig_pen.html

Use the image of this character with the dust around him. It'll help understanding this.

"Comforting convictions" (to me) refer to those beliefs each of us has, whether they are true or not, that we continue to believe because they are familiar and make us feel safe and comfortable. They may be major ideas, such as religious or political; they may be rather mundane ideas, such as "one mustn't spend money unless it's absolutely necessary" or "kids should get their homework done before dinner if at all possible."

http://www.answers.com/convictions?cat=biz-fin
See definitions 2 and 3 here.

=)

Answer 2

I am reminded of the stories and excuses convicted criminals tell why they should not be in prison.