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About this quote

What does it mean?
Reason appears unattractive when it contradicts our personal desires or biases.
In plain terms
We dislike logic when it goes against what we want.
What can you take from it?
Expect resistance to logic when it challenges personal beliefs.

Where it applies

  • arguments
  • debate
  • personal reflection

Putting it to work

  • active listening
  • self-checking
  • empathy

Questions to consider

  • When do you reject reason?
  • How do you handle opposing views?

Another view

Reason can still be effective even if it feels unpleasant.

More from George Savile

  1. No man is so much a fool as not to have wit enough sometimes to be a knave; nor any so cunning a knave as not to have the weakness sometimes to play the fool.

    Permalink to quote #26
  2. Nothing would more contribute to make a man wise than to have always an enemy in his view.

    Permalink to quote #28
  3. Most men make little use of their speech than to give evidence against their own understanding.

    Permalink to quote #25

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