Achieve Quote by Max Horkheimer
“In most cases, to be reasonable means not to be obstinate, which in turn points to conformity with reality as it is. The principle of adjustment is taken for granted. When the idea of reason was conceived, it was intended to achieve more than the mere regulation of the relation between means and ends: it was regarded as the instrument for understanding the ends, for determining them.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Eclipse of Reason, Max Horkheimer, 1947
Reason is the ability to align thoughts with reality, avoiding stubbornness and embracing adjustment to understand true ends.
In simple terms: Reason aligns thoughts with reality, avoiding stubbornness.
Key Takeaway
Use reason to question assumptions.
Themes
reason
reality
adjustment
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- policy making
- personal decision making
Key Concepts
critical theory
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you recognize when you are being obstinate?
- What adjustments reveal true ends?
A Different Perspective
Reason can be limited by social pressures that discourage dissent.
![“The ideas for my books come about in two ways. There can be an intellectual idea that seems to be the reason for writing the book. [...] The other motive is unconscious. There is something deeply psychological and emotional that draws me to the material in the first place.” quote by Jeffrey Eugenides](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/357/jeffrey-eugenides-462_book_the-ideas-for-my-books-come-about-in-two_541787.jpg)
