Delusion Quote by Jonathan Haidt
““ Webster's Third New International Dictionary defines delusion as "a false conception and persistent belief unconquerable by reason in something that has no existence in fact." As an intuitionist, I'd say that the worship of reason is itself an illustration of the most long-lived delusions in Western history: the rationalist delusion. It's the idea that reasoning is our most noble attribute, one that makes us like the gods (for Plato) or that brings us beyond the "delusion" of believing in gods (for the New Atheists). The rationalist delusion is not just a claim about human nature. It's also a claim that the rational caste (philosophers or scientists) should have more power, and it usually comes along with a utopian program for raising more rational children.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Righteous Mind, Jonathan Haidt, 2012
The belief that pure rationality is supreme is itself a delusion, granting power to a rational elite and supporting utopian agendas.
In simple terms: Rational superiority is a false belief that gives power to thinkers.
Key Takeaway
Question the superiority of reason and its societal role.
Themes
philosophy
power
delusion
rationalism
elitism
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- academic policy
- science funding
- education reform
- political discourse
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
epistemic authority
social hierarchy
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the limits of reason in human life?
- How does elevating rationality affect marginalized groups?
A Different Perspective
Rationalism can overlook emotional and cultural truths.
![“It's [Los Angeles] mostly full of nonsense and delusion and egomania. They think they'll be young and beautiful forever, even though most of them aren't even young and beautiful now.” quote by Christopher Hitchens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a86/christopher-hitchens-117_beautiful_it-s-los-angeles-mostly-full-of-nonsense_10462.jpg)
