Dotty: Archie says the Church is a monument to irrationality. George: ... The National Gallery is a monument to irrationality! Every concert hall is a monument to irrationality! - and so is a nicely kept garden, or a lover's favour, or a home for stray dogs! You stupid woman, if rationality were the criterion for things being allowed to exist, the world would be one gigantic field of soya beans!
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Many human endeavors valued beyond pure utility prove irrational by strict logic.
- In plain terms
- Art and love exist even if they aren't rational.
- What can you take from it?
- Value things that bring meaning beyond efficiency.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What is worth keeping that isn't rational?
- Is efficiency the only goal?
Another view
Some argue that all human endeavors should strive for rational efficiency.
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