[W]e have more than two options... a critique of reason does not have to be a call for the return of superstition and arbitrary power.... [O]ur problems do not lie with reason itself but with our obsessive treatment of reason as an absolute value. Certainly it is one of our qualities, but it functions positively only when balanced and limited by the others.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Critiquing reason does not mean returning to superstition; reason works best when balanced by other human qualities.
- In plain terms
- Reason is good but fails when treated as the only value.
- What can you take from it?
- Balance reason with other human traits to avoid obsession.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What other values should balance reason in your life?
- Where have you seen reason treated as an absolute?
Another view
Defining which other qualities balance reason can be subjective.
More from John Ralston Saul
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