Rational, adj. Devoid of all delusions save those of observation, experience and reflection.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- True rationality is defined as having no false beliefs except those formed through careful observation, experience, and thinking.
- In plain terms
- Being rational means only believing what you can see and think through.
- What can you take from it?
- Reason relies on evidence and introspection, not faith.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can any delusion ever be useful?
- How do we know our senses are right?
Another view
It ignores that observation and experience can also be biased or limited.
More from Ambrose Bierce
Quotation, n. The act of repeating erroneously the words of another. The words erroneously repeated.
Permalink to quote #72 Religion, n. A daughter of Hope and Fear, explaining to Ignorance the nature of the Unknowable.
Permalink to quote #74 Pray, v. To ask that the laws of the universe be annulled in behalf of a single petitioner confessedly unworthy.
Permalink to quote #71
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