Here's why:
* Focus on personal experience: The essay is primarily focused on Russell's own life, his experiences, and his reflections on them.
* Reflective and introspective: Russell examines his motivations and the driving forces behind his actions.
* Subjective and emotional: The essay is infused with Russell's personal feelings and opinions, providing a unique and subjective perspective.
* Literary style: While the essay is not a formal memoir, it utilizes literary devices and a flowing, engaging prose style common to personal essays.
While there are elements of philosophical essay in the piece due to its exploration of values and purpose, the strong emphasis on Russell's personal journey places it firmly in the category of personal essay.