So engrained in the human heart is the desire to believe…
““So engrained in the human heart is the desire to believe that some people really do know what they say they know, and can thus save them from the trouble of thinking for themselves, that in a short time would-be philosophers and faddists became more powerful than ever, and gradually led their countrymen to accept all those absurd views of life, some account of which I have given in my earlier chapters. Indeed I can see no hope for the Erewhonians till they have got to understand that reason uncorrected by instinct is as bad as instinct uncorrected by reason.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Reason and instinct must be balanced; unchecked rationalism or blind instinct both lead to absurdity.
In simple terms: Both mind and feeling need guidance.
Key Takeaway
Seek harmony between thought and feeling.
Themes
reason
instinct
balance
philosophy
society
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- education reform
- public discourse
- personal decision making
Key Concepts
rationalism
human nature
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ensure reason serves instinct and not dominate it?
- What practices foster balanced judgment?