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 the real character of our own motives and impulses, the ability to harmonize conflicting impulses in our own life and in society, and the capacity to choose adequate means for approved ends.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Rationality determines how well we understand others, ourselves, conflict resolution, and choosing the right means for goals.
- In plain terms
- Being rational helps us understand others, ourselves, and make good choices.
- What can you take from it?
- Reasoning ability shapes moral and social success.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How rational are you?
- What guides your choices?
Another view
Reason does not guarantee good choices.
More from Reinhold Niebuhr
[R]eason tends to check selfish impulses and to grant the satisfaction of legitimate impulses in others.
Permalink to quote #4 While it is possible for intelligence to increase the range of benevolent impulse, and thus prompt a human being to consider the needs and rights of other than…
Permalink to quote #6 Man is endowed by nature with organic relations to his fellow men; and natural impulse prompts him to consider the needs of others even when they compete with …
Permalink to quote #3
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