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What is reason? Knowledge informed by sympathy, intelligence in the arms of_x000D_ love.
Edward Abbey
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Reason is enriched by empathy and compassion, combining knowledge with love.

In this quote, Edward Abbey suggests that true reason is not merely the accumulation of knowledge and intelligence, but rather, it is deeply informed by an understanding and sympathy towards others. It emphasizes that intellectual pursuits gain their profound meaning when they are executed with love and compassion, reflecting a harmonious balance between thought and emotion.

Themes

ReasonKnowledgeSympathyLoveIntelligence

In practice

Example use cases

This quote is perfect for a speech about the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership.

More from Edward Abbey

Married couples who quarrel bitterly every day may really need each other as deeply as those who appear to be desperately in love.
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I love America because it is a confused, chaotic mess - and I hope we can keep it this way for at least another thousand years. The permissive society is the free society.
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If it's knowledge and wisdom you want, then seek out the company of those who do real work for an honest purpose.
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The earth is real. Only a fool, milking his cow, denies the cow's reality.
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I believe in nothing that I cannot touch, kiss, embrace.... The rest is only hearsay.
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Why can't we simply borrow what is useful to us from Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, especially Zen, as we borrow from Christianity, science, American Indian traditions and world literature in general, including philosophy, and let the rest go hang? Borrow what we need but rely principally upon our own senses, common sense and daily living experience.
Edward AbbeyRead

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A little wisdom, now and then

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