Reason should guide behavior from "summary" of The Essays by Michel de Montaigne
Reason, to my mind, is the noblest faculty that we possess as human beings. It is the ability to think and reflect, to weigh options and make decisions based on logic and rationality. In essence, reason is what sets us apart from the animals, who act purely on instinct and emotion. When I say that reason should guide behavior, I mean that we should not simply act on impulse or passion, but rather take the time to consider our actions and their consequences. We should ask ourselves whether our actions are just, whether they are in line with our values and beliefs, whether they will lead to the desired outcomes. This is not to say that we should be cold and calculating in all our decisions. Emotion has its place, of course, but reason should always be the guiding force. Emotions can cloud our judgment, leading us to make hasty or ill-advised choices. Reason, on the other hand, can help us to see things clearly, to weigh the pros and cons, to consider the long-term effects of our actions. In this way, reason can help us to lead more meaningful and fulfilling lives. By thinking before we act, by using our rational minds to guide us, we can avoid many of the pitfalls and mistakes that come from acting on impulse. We can make decisions that are in line with our values and goals, that reflect who we truly are as individuals. Of course, reason is not infallible. We are all prone to errors in judgment, to biases and blind spots that can lead us astray. But by cultivating our ability to reason, by honing our critical thinking skills, we can minimize these risks and make better choices. Reason, then, is not just a tool for decision-making, but a way of life, a philosophy that can help us to navigate the complexities of the world with wisdom and clarity.
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