--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: One is tempted to define man as a…" description: "\"“One is tempted to define man as a rational animal who always loses his temper when he is called upon to act in accordance with the dictates of reason...." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ad8/oscar-wilde-16_humor_one-is-tempted-to-define-man-as-a-ration_1714329.jpg" --- # One is tempted to define man as a rational animal who… ![“One is tempted to define man as a rational animal who always loses his temper when he is called upon to act in accordance with the dictates of reason.” quote by Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ad8/oscar-wilde-16_humor_one-is-tempted-to-define-man-as-a-ration_1714329.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ad8/oscar-wilde-16_humor_one-is-tempted-to-define-man-as-a-ration_1714329.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ad8/oscar-wilde-16_humor_one-is-tempted-to-define-man-as-a-ration_1714329.jpg) > ““One is tempted to define man as a rational animal who always loses his temper when he is called upon to act in accordance with the dictates of reason.”” [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Human rationality is often overridden by emotional outbursts when reason demands action. **In simple terms:** Reason is weak against emotion. Key Takeaway Balance logic with emotional awareness. Themes reason emotion human nature Mood thoughtful analytical Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - making decisions under pressure - conflict resolution - leadership - personal relationships Key Concepts philosophy psychology ethics Questions to Reflect On - How do you manage emotions when reason calls? - Can reason ever fully dominate feeling? A Different Perspective Pure rationality is unrealistic; emotions are integral. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Humor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humor/) [Reason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reason/) ## Related quotes > [Man is a rational animal who always loses his temper when he is called upon to act in accordance with the dictates of reason.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar-wilde/man-is-a-rational-animal-who-always-loses-his-temper-when-he-is/) [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) > [“The security of society lies in custom and unconscious instinct, and the basis of the stability of society, as a healthy organism, is the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar-wilde/the-security-of-society-lies-in-custom-and-unconscious-instinct-and-2/) [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) > [I wonder who it was defined man as a rational animal. It was the most premature definition ever given. 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