I stand four-square for reason, and object to what seems to me to be irrationality, whatever the source. If you are on my side in this, I must warn you that the army of the night has the advantage of overwhelming numbers, and, by its very nature, is immune to reason, so that it is entirely unlikely that you and I can win out. We will always remain a tiny and probably hopeless minority, but let us never tire of presenting our view, and of fighting the good fight for the right.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of reason in the face of overwhelming irrationality, advocating for persistence in the pursuit of truth and reasoned discourse.
Isaac Asimov's quote reflects the struggle of rational thought against the pervasive force of irrationality in society. He acknowledges that those who uphold reason may be a minority and face daunting opposition, yet he encourages continued efforts to advocate for reasoned beliefs and to engage in the ongoing 'fight for the right.' This battle may appear hopeless at times, but Asimov underscores the value of adhering to one's principles and remaining steadfast in the pursuit of truth.
In practice
This quote could be used in a debate about the importance of evidence-based reasoning in public policy.
Democracy cannot survive overpopulation. Human dignity cannot survive it. Convenience and decency cannot survive it. As you put more and more people into the world, the value of life not only declines, but it disappears. It doesn't matter if someone dies.
Science does not promise absolute truth, nor does it consider that such a thing necessarily exists. Science does not even promise that everything in the Universe is amenable to the scientific process.
Democracy cannot survive overpopulation.
Although the time of death is approaching me, I am not afraid of dying and going to Hell or (what would be considerably worse) going to the popularized version of Heaven. I expect death to be nothingness and, for removing me from all possible fears of death, I am thankful to atheism.
A subtle thought that is in error may yet give rise to fruitful inquiry that can establish truths of great value.
During the century after Newton, it was still possible for a man of unusual attainments to master all fields of scientific knowledge. But by 1800, this had become entirely impracticable.
Policemen are seldom tried for their crimes, or indeed, held responsible for what they do, which disturbs the peace and causes distress among the orderly.
The law speaks too softly to be heard amidst the din of arms.
Oaths are the fossils of piety.
Christianity is in its nature revolutionary
History is a way of interpreting, rather than, say, knowing, the past. It is usually a set of disputes between those who have access to the same sources. It depends on ideology as much as voting in an election does.
The revolution is the war of liberty against its enemies. The constitution is the rule of liberty against its enemies. The constitution is the rule of liberty when victorious and peaceable.
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