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About this quote

What does it mean?
Reason helps limit selfishness and allows others to meet their needs.
In plain terms
Logic helps us stop being selfish and let others have things.
What can you take from it?
Use reason to balance self and others.

Where it applies

  • conflict resolution
  • negotiation
  • daily life

Putting it to work

  • pause before acting
  • consider others

Questions to consider

  • Do you listen to reason when angry?
  • How do you share resources?

Another view

Emotions often override reason.

More from Reinhold Niebuhr

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  2. The measure of our rationality determines the degree of vividness with which we appreciate the needs of other life, the extent to which we become conscious of …

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  3. This insinuation of the interests of the self into even the most ideal enterprises and most universal objectives, envisaged in moments of highest rationality, …

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