Quote by Erich Fromm

Reason is man's faculty for grasping the world by thought, in contradiction to intelligence, which is man's ability to manipulate the world with the help of thought. Reason is man's instrument for arriving at the truth, intelligence is man's instrument for manipulating the world more successfully; the former is essentially human, the latter belongs to the animal part of man.


Reason is man's faculty for grasping the world by thought, i

Summary

This quote emphasizes the distinction between reason and intelligence. Reason is depicted as the human capacity to comprehend the world through thought, enabling individuals to seek truth and understanding. On the other hand, intelligence pertains to the use of thought for pragmatic purposes, enabling the manipulation and control of the world. The quote asserts that reason is inherently human, highlighting its unique characteristic, while intelligence is seen as a more primal trait shared with animals. Ultimately, reason is presented as the essential tool for achieving genuine comprehension and insight.

By Erich Fromm
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