Action Quote by Herbert Marcuse
“Reason ... contradicts the established order of men and things on behalf of existing societal forces that reveal the irrational character of this order for "rational" is a mode of thought and action which is geared to reduce ignorance, destruction, brutality, and oppression.”
About This Quote
Source Book: One-Dimensional Man, Herbert Marcuse, 1964
The quote argues that rationality, driven by existing power structures, masks and sustains irrational oppression, rather than truly reducing harm.
In simple terms: Rationality can hide oppression.
Key Takeaway
Question the motives behind so-called rational systems.
Themes
philosophy
politics
critical theory
Mood
critical
provocative
Type
theoretical
analytical
When to use this quote
- social reform
- education
- policy analysis
- activism
Key Concepts
Ideology
power structures
rationality
Questions to Reflect On
- How does power shape what is called rational?
- Can rational tools be used for liberation?
A Different Perspective
Rationality may also enable efficient oppression.
![“A sprout as the subject is without arising, because it is free from arising from any of the four extremes, just as a frog's long hair." Here, master Bhavya states [this as] the main argument and then formulates four autonomous reasons as the means to prove the subject property. The venerable and…” quote by Karl Brunnholzl](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6db/karl-brunnholzl-4600_logic_a-sprout-as-the-subject-is-without-arisi_3011171.jpg)
![“Here, master Bhavya states [this as] the main argument, and then he formulates four autonomous reasons as the means to prove the subject property. The venerable and fearless Candrakirti presents this by labeling the mere refutation of arising from the four extremes a "position." He teaches the…” quote by Karl Brunnholzl](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cb7/karl-brunnholzl-4600_logic_here-master-bhavya-states-this-as-the-ma_140001.jpg)
![“[Art] can speak its own language only as long as the images are alive which refuse and refute the established order.” quote by Herbert Marcuse](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f06/herbert-marcuse-3589_alive_art-can-speak-its-own-language-only-as-l_17287.jpg)
