Argument Quote by Eliezer Yudkowsky
“To be clever in argument is not rationality but rationalization.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Rationality: From AI to Zombies, 2015
Clever arguments often mask rationalizations, not genuine logical reasoning.
In simple terms: Cleverness ≠ rationality.
Key Takeaway
Seek true logical clarity.
Themes
logic
argumentation
critical thinking
Mood
analytical
skeptical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- debates
- academic writing
- policy discussions
- online forums
Key Concepts
rationalization
cognitive bias
intellectual honesty
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate rationalization from logic?
- What habits improve argumentative honesty?
A Different Perspective
Complex issues can blur rational and emotional reasoning.
![“There's a whole [...] art to finding the truth and accomplishing value from inside a human mind : we have to learn our own flaws, overcome our biases, prevent ourselves from self-deceiving, get ourselves into good emotional shape to confront the truth and do what needs doing, etcetera etcetera and…” quote by Eliezer Yudkowsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f4b/eliezer-yudkowsky-1207_art_there-s-a-whole-art-to-finding-the-truth_793769.jpg)
