--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: But the thing which in eminent instances…" description: "\"“But the thing which in eminent instances signalizes so exceptional a nature is this: Though the man's even temper and discreet bearing would seem to i..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/062/herman-melville-162_nature_but-the-thing-which-in-eminent-instances_2406962.jpg" --- # But the thing which in eminent instances signalizes so… ![“But the thing which in eminent instances signalizes so exceptional a nature is this: Though the man's even temper and discreet bearing would seem to intimate a mind peculiarly subject to the law of reason, not the less in heart he would seem to riot in complete exemption from that law, having…” quote by Herman Melville](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/062/herman-melville-162_nature_but-the-thing-which-in-eminent-instances_2406962.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/062/herman-melville-162_nature_but-the-thing-which-in-eminent-instances_2406962.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/062/herman-melville-162_nature_but-the-thing-which-in-eminent-instances_2406962.jpg) > ““But the thing which in eminent instances signalizes so exceptional a nature is this: Though the man's even temper and discreet bearing would seem to intimate a mind peculiarly subject to the law of reason, not the less in heart he would seem to riot in complete exemption from that law, having apparently little to do with reason further than to employ it as an ambidexter implement for effecting the irrational.”” [Herman Melville](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/herman-melville/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Reason can be used both to maintain order and to justify irrational, extreme behavior, showing its dual nature. **In simple terms:** Reason can enable both order and chaos. Key Takeaway Use reason wisely, aware of its potential misuse. Themes reason irrationality morality power law Mood critical thoughtful Type analytical reflective When to use this quote - legal debates - political rhetoric - personal decision making - conflict resolution Key Concepts philosophy ethics psychology Questions to Reflect On - When have you seen reason justify irrational actions? - How do you balance rationality with empathy? A Different Perspective Reason alone cannot prevent misuse without moral grounding. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Nature](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nature/) [Psychology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psychology/) [Reason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reason/) ## Related quotes > [When a man's temper gets the best of him, it reveals the worst of him.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vikrant-parsai/when-a-man-s-temper-gets-the-best-of-him-it-reveals-the-worst-of-him/) [Vikrant Parsai](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vikrant-parsai/) > [“A bad temper in a man is preferable to a man without a temper,” Madame Chiang had once explained to her sisters.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-peraino/a-bad-temper-in-a-man-is-preferable-to-a-man-without-a-temper-madame/) Kevin Peraino > [I would uphold the law if for no other reason but to protect myself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-more/i-would-uphold-the-law-if-for-no-other-reason-but-to-protect-myself/) [Thomas More](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-more/) > [“The first law of reason is that what exists, exists; what is, is, and that from this ineducible, bedrock principle, all knowledge is built...that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/terry-goodkind/the-first-law-of-reason-is-that-what-exists-exists-what-is-is-and/) [Terry Goodkind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/terry-goodkind/) > [What law, what reason can deny that gift so sweet, so natural that God has given a stream, a fish, a beast, a bird?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pedro-calder-n-de-la-barca/what-law-what-reason-can-deny-that-gift-so-sweet-so-natural-that-god/) [Pedro Calderon de la Barca](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pedro-calder-n-de-la-barca/) > [There is no author or legislator of the moral law. 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