Quote by Friedrich A. Hayek

It may indeed prove to be far the most difficult and not the least important task for human reason rationally to comprehend its own limitations. It is essential for the growth of reason that as individuals we should bow to forces and obey principles which we cannot hope fully to understand, yet on which the advance and even the preservation of civilization depends. Historically this has been achieved by the influence of the various religious creeds and by traditions and superstitions which made man submit to those forces by an appeal to his emotions rather than to his reason. The most dangerous stage in the growth of civilization may well be that in which man has come to regard all these beliefs as superstitions and refuses to accept or to submit to anything which he does not rationally understand. The rationalist whose reason is not sufficient to teach him those limitations of the powers of conscious reason, and who despises all the institutions and customs which have not been consciously designed, would thus become the destroyer of the civilization built upon them. This may well prove a hurdle which man will repeatedly reach, only to be thrown back into barbarism.

Summary

This quote emphasizes the challenge and importance of human reason acknowledging its own limitations. It states that while it is essential for reason to grow, individuals must also recognize and respect forces and principles they may not fully comprehend. Throughout history, religious beliefs, traditions, and superstitions have played a role in guiding and restraining human behavior, appealing to emotions rather than pure reason. However, the quote warns against the danger of completely disregarding these beliefs as mere superstitions. If individuals become rationalists who reject anything they cannot understand, they may unknowingly become the destroyers of the civilization built upon those institutions and customs, leading to a potential regression into barbarism.