Superstition Quote by Johann Georg Hamann
““What is this reason, with its universality, infallibility, exuberant certainty and obviousness? An ens rationis, a stuffed dummy which the howling superstition of our unreason endows with divine attributes.””
About This Quote
Source Treat: Philosophical Writings, 1780s
The quote critiques the tendency to treat reason as an unquestionable, all‑powerful authority, ignoring its limits and the role of superstition.
In simple terms: Reason is often seen as absolute and infallible, but that view is flawed.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions about reason’s absolute authority.
Themes
philosophy
critique
reason
authority
skepticism
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- public discourse
- education
- policy making
- personal decision making
Key Concepts
Epistemology
metaphysics
human cognition
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance reason with humility?
- When does reliance on reason become superstition?
A Different Perspective
Reason can be misused when treated as infallible, leading to dogmatism.
