About Quote by Iain McGilchrist
“It is not rational to assume, without evidence, that rationality can disclose everything about the world, just because it can disclose some things. Our intuition in favour of rationality, where we are inclined to use it, is just that - an intuition. Reason is founded in intuition and ends in intuition, like a pair of massive bookends.”
About This Quote
Reason relies on intuition both to start and to finish, so assuming it can explain everything without evidence is unjustified.
In simple terms: Reason and intuition are intertwined, so rationality has limits.
Recognize intuition’s role in reasoning.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- personal decision making
- scientific inquiry
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does intuition shape your conclusions?
- When should you trust evidence over intuition?
Rationality can still be useful despite its limits.