--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Reason may be a small force, but it is…" description: "\"“Reason may be a small force, but it is constant, and works always in one direction, while the forces of unreason destroy one another in futile strife...." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a3c/bertrand-russell-69_friendship_reason-may-be-a-small-force-but-it-is-co_1681976.jpg" --- # Reason may be a small force, but it is constant, and works… ![“Reason may be a small force, but it is constant, and works always in one direction, while the forces of unreason destroy one another in futile strife. Therefore, every orgy of unreason in the end strengthens the friends of reason, and shows afresh that they are the only true friends of humanity.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a3c/bertrand-russell-69_friendship_reason-may-be-a-small-force-but-it-is-co_1681976.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a3c/bertrand-russell-69_friendship_reason-may-be-a-small-force-but-it-is-co_1681976.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a3c/bertrand-russell-69_friendship_reason-may-be-a-small-force-but-it-is-co_1681976.jpg) > ““Reason may be a small force, but it is constant, and works always in one direction, while the forces of unreason destroy one another in futile strife. Therefore, every orgy of unreason in the end strengthens the friends of reason, and shows afresh that they are the only true friends of humanity.”” [Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bertrand-russell/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Reason is a steady, unidirectional force; unreason is chaotic and self‑destructive, ultimately benefiting reason. **In simple terms:** Reason is steady; unreason is chaotic. Key Takeaway Trust reason, avoid unreason. Themes reason logic humanity Mood thoughtful serious Type philosophical reflective When to use this quote - political debate - scientific research - personal decision making - conflict resolution Key Concepts philosophy ethics rationalism Questions to Reflect On - How does unreason undermine cooperation? - When can unreason be justified? A Different Perspective Reason can be ignored or suppressed by powerful irrational forces. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Friendship](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/friendship/) [Reason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reason/) [True friends](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/true-friends/) ## Related quotes > [“The power of reason is thought small in these days, but I remain an unrepentant rationalist. Reason may be a small force, but it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bertrand-russell/the-power-of-reason-is-thought-small-in-these-days-but-i-remain-an/) [Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bertrand-russell/) > [“Alone among unsympathetic companions, I hold certain views and standards timidly, half ashamed to avow them and half doubtful if they can after all…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/c-s-lewis-2/alone-among-unsympathetic-companions-i-hold-certain-views-and/) [C.S. Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/c-s-lewis-2/) > [Reason may be a small force, but it is constant, and works always in one direction, while the forces of unreason destroy one another…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bertrand-russell/reason-may-be-a-small-force-but-it-is-constant-and-works-always-in-2/) [Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bertrand-russell/) > [A girl never gets mad for no reason. It may be over something small and stupid but there is still a reason.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/a-girl-never-gets-mad-for-no-reason-it-may-be-over-something-small/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Past friends are past friends for a reason. 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