Reason is a biological product -- a tool whose power is inherently and substantially restricted. It has improved how we do things; it has not changed why we do things. The more fundamental "why" element is driven by instinctive self-preservation, emotional needs, and cultural attitudes. We are usually reluctant to admit the extent to which these forces govern our behavior, and accordingly we often recruit reason to explain and justify our actions.
-- Donald B. Calne (Within Reason: Rationality and Human Behavior)

⬆ #Wisdom #Quotes #DonaldBCalne #HumanBehavior #Reason

⬇ #Photography #Panorama #BartolomeIsland #PinnacleRock #Galapagos

Why have so many turned against reason? There are several explanations, but among the foremost must be failure of the quixotic hopes vested in it. Reason was misrepresented as an all-powerful, divine force, with its own supreme mission. In fact, it has no aim and no inherent goodness. Reason is simply and solely a tool, without any legitimate claim to moral content. It is a biological product fashioned for us by the process of evolution, to help us survive in an inhospitable and unpredictable physical environment. It is also a tool to enable us to compete with other animals that are larger, faster, and stronger, with longer claws and more powerful jaws.
-- Donald B. Calne (Within Reason: Rationality and Human Behavior)

⬆ #Wisdom #Quotes #DonaldBCalne #Reason

⬇ #Photography #Panorama #Panopainting #Protest #MarchForOurLives #Florida

Reason is a biological product -- a tool whose power is inherently and substantially restricted. It has improved how we do things; it has not changed why we do things. The more fundamental "why" element is driven by instinctive self-preservation, emotional needs, and cultural attitudes. We are usually reluctant to admit the extent to which these forces govern our behavior, and accordingly we often recruit reason to explain and justify our actions.
-- Donald B. Calne (Within Reason: Rationality and Human Behavior)

⬆ #Wisdom #Quotes #DonaldBCalne #HumanBehavior #Reason

⬇ #Photography #Panorama #LavaFlow #Galapagos #Geology

Why have so many turned against reason? There are several explanations, but among the foremost must be failure of the quixotic hopes vested in it. Reason was misrepresented as an all-powerful, divine force, with its own supreme mission. In fact, it has no aim and no inherent goodness. Reason is simply and solely a tool, without any legitimate claim to moral content. It is a biological product fashioned for us by the process of evolution, to help us survive in an inhospitable and unpredictable physical environment. It is also a tool to enable us to compete with other animals that are larger, faster, and stronger, with longer claws and more powerful jaws.
-- Donald B. Calne (Within Reason: Rationality and Human Behavior)

⬆ #Wisdom #Quotes #DonaldBCalne #Reason

⬇ #Photography #Panorama #BWCA #RoseFalls #Minnesota

Reason is a biological product -- a tool whose power is inherently and substantially restricted. It has improved how we do things; it has not changed why we do things. The more fundamental "why" element is driven by instinctive self-preservation, emotional needs, and cultural attitudes. We are usually reluctant to admit the extent to which these forces govern our behavior, and accordingly we often recruit reason to explain and justify our actions.
-- Donald B. Calne (Within Reason: Rationality and Human Behavior)

⬆ #Wisdom #Quotes #DonaldBCalne #HumanBehavior #Reason

⬇ #Photography #Panorama #BWCA #RoseFalls #Minnesota