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The dream-narratives and cuttings collected by the professor were, of course, strong corroboration; but the rationalism of my mind and the extravagance of the whole subject led me to adopt what I thought the most sensible conclusions. So, after thoroughly studying the manuscript again and correlating the theosophical and anthropological notes with the cult narrative of Legrasse, I made a trip to Providence to see the sculptor and give him the rebuke I thought proper for so boldly imposing upon a learned and aged man.

H. P. Lovecraft#64

ResearchDoubtInvestigationRejectionSkepticism

About this quote

What does it mean?
The narrator rejects dream corroboration due to their rational mind, decides to visit the sculptor to rebuke them for misleading a learned man.
In plain terms
I distrust the dreams and go to tell the sculptor they misled a scholar.
What can you take from it?
Rationalism often overrides supernatural evidence.

Where it applies

  • debating claims
  • researching facts
  • reading fiction

Putting it to work

  • verifying claims
  • confronting misinformation

Questions to consider

  • When should rationalism yield?
  • How to assess credulity?

Another view

Rationalism can dismiss valid subjective data.

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  2. What I now heard so graphically at first-hand, though it was really no more than a detailed confirmation of what my uncle had written, excited me afresh; for I…

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  3. That cult would never die till the stars came right again, and the secret priests would take great Cthulhu from His tomb to revive His subjects and resume His …

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