Rationalization Quote by Immanuel Kant
![“...[R]eason issues its commands unyieldingly, without promising anything to the inclinations, and, as it were, with disregard and contempt for these claims, which are so impetuous and at the same time so plausible, and which will not allow themselves to be suppressed by any command. Hence there…” quote by Immanuel Kant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c9d/immanuel-kant-532_rationalization_r-eason-issues-its-commands-unyieldingly_956307.jpg)
““...[R]eason issues its commands unyieldingly, without promising anything to the inclinations, and, as it were, with disregard and contempt for these claims, which are so impetuous and at the same time so plausible, and which will not allow themselves to be suppressed by any command. Hence there arises a natural dialectic, that is, a disposition to argue against these strict laws of duty and to question their validity, or at least their purity and strictness; and, if possible, to make them more accordant with our wishes and inclinations, that is to say, to corrupt them at their very source and entirely to destroy their worth-a thing which even common practical reason cannot ultimately call good.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Critique of Practical Reason, 1788
Reason imposes strict duties regardless of personal desires, leading to a natural tendency to question and possibly corrupt them.
In simple terms: Reason demands duties despite wishes, prompting doubt.
Key Takeaway
Recognize duty’s authority, but reflect on its relevance.
Themes
duty
reason
human desire
morality
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
reflective
When to use this quote
- ethical decision making
- personal conflicts
- lawmaking
- education
- leadership
Key Concepts
deontological ethics
autonomy
rationalism
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you accept duties that clash with your inclinations?
- How can you balance reason with desire?
A Different Perspective
Human emotions can undermine rational duty, causing conflict.
