Authority Quote by Nikolai Berdyaev
““Reason is independent of all external authority, is outwardly autonomous; it is not, however, inwardly independent in relation to the whole life of the philosopher engaged in the pursuit of knowledge. It will not allow itself to be stripped of its feelings and volition, of its loves and hates, of its criteria of value. It discovers its ontological foundation in the depths of its own Being, in the intimacy of its own existence; it adapts itself to the philosopher’s belief or scepticism; it varies with his belief as the consciousness expands or contracts. But revelation transforms it.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Philosophy of Freedom, Nikolai Berdyaev, 1919
Reason is shaped by personal experience and values, not isolated from life; it evolves with belief and expands with consciousness, yet can be altered by revelation.
In simple terms: Reason is influenced by feelings and beliefs, not purely objective.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how personal values shape your reasoning.
Themes
philosophy
reasoning
self‑knowledge
Mood
reflective
introspective
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- academic study
- ethical decision‑making
Key Concepts
existentialism
ontology
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do your emotions affect your judgments?
- Can revelation change your reasoning?
A Different Perspective
Reason may be limited by unexamined biases.
![“The rationale which accompanies that imposition of male authority euphemistically referred to as 'the battle of the sexes' bears a certain resemblance to the formulas of nations at war, where any heinousness is justified on the grounds that the enemy is either an inferior [part of the] species or…” quote by Kate Millett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/895/kate-millett-7301_accompany_the-rationale-which-accompanies-that-imp_8896.jpg)