Average Quote by Reinhold Niebuhr
“Rationalism belongs to the cool observer. But because of the stupidity of the average person, they follow not reason, but faith. This naïve faith, requires necessary illusions and emotionally potent oversimplifications, which are provided by the myth maker to keep the ordinary person on course.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Moral Man and Immoral Society, 1932
The quote critiques that rationalism is limited to detached observers, while most people rely on faith and myths, which simplify reality but can be misleading.
In simple terms: Rationalism is for observers; most follow faith and myths.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the limits of pure reason.
Themes
faith
myth
rationalism
society
illusion
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- education
- public discourse
- media analysis
- critical thinking
Key Concepts
epistemology
social psychology
mythmaking
Questions to Reflect On
- How does myth influence everyday decisions?
- When is faith beneficial versus harmful?
A Different Perspective
Overreliance on myth can hinder progress.
![“...[T]here is no art in being intelligible if one renounces all thoroughness of insight; but also it produces a disgusting medley of compiled observations and half-reasoned principles. Shallow pates enjoy this because it can be used for everyday chat, but the sagacious find in it only confusion…” quote by Immanuel Kant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/718/immanuel-kant-532_absolute-truth_t-here-is-no-art-in-being-intelligible-i_1079114.jpg)
![“With an absurd oversimplification, the "invention" of calculus [method in mathematics] is sometimes ascribed to two men, Newton and Leibniz.” quote by Richard Courant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/131/richard-courant-41915_absurd_with-an-absurd-oversimplification-the-in_712428.jpg)
