For some time the entire effort of our philosophers has aimed solely at replacing the notion of human nature with that of situation, and replacing ancient harmony with the disorderly advance of chance or reason's pitiless progress. Whereas the Greeks gave to will the boundaries of reason, we have come to put the will's impulse in the very center of reason, which has, as a result, become deadly.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Modern philosophy shifted from balanced human nature to chaotic chance or rigid reason, making will central and reason deadly. Ancient wisdom bounded will with reason, unlike today's imbalance.
- In plain terms
- We replaced balanced human nature with chaos or cold reason, making reason dangerous by putting impulse at its center.
- What can you take from it?
- Balance will with reason to avoid destructive extremes.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How should reason guide action?
- Is impulse ever good?
Another view
Pure reason can be useful when emotions mislead.
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