Relationships Built On Rationalism

No relationship with something besides rationalism at its foundation will survive or deserve to survive--or at least it will not survive intact in all the ways it needs to, not survive stronger on the other side of various trials, and not survive because of anything more than chance and shallow ties between two people.  Rationalism does not just unveil necessary truths and absolute certainty; it very literally lets people understand themselves and others free of the assumptions and pettiness that could so easily take hold as time passes.  It frees people to introspect deeply and bond with others on a wholehearted level that spans the intellect and emotions.  No, rationalism and foundational devotion to philosophical truths is not something that does anything but enhance the best relationships.

With rationalism and reciprocal affection, a relationship can flourish even during periods where circumstances allow for little to no communication or when making a transition from friendship to dating or vice versa.  Even when a friend or romantic partner does something irrational or selfish, no one but a rationalist will be more sincere if they decide to show mercy instead of turning on someone who was or even then is still a cherished companion.  In joyous or painful times and in times of community or separation, there is nothing that rationalism and its child qualities of honesty, firmness, and self-awareness bring that weakens friendships or romantic partnerships, given that those relationships are not founded on superficiality or emotionalism.

Instead, deep, genuine relationships are only strengthened or savored by rationalists, especially when they find others whom they can relate to on a holistic level.  To find someone dedicated to truth, sincere in their relationships with other people, honest about themselves, and willing to stand together with those they love despite personal trials and ideological opposition is to find one of the greatest treasures in all of human life!  Other than reason, philosophical truths, and whatever moral obligations there might be, there is nothing that could be as psychologically life-giving and even pragmatically beneficial than strong, authentic relationships with others who share a love of truth and relational unity.

Examples are not necessary to prove any of the above-mentioned truths, but there are many examples that could be thought of or experienced.  Rationalism will inevitably help people reject gender and racial stereotypes, which make them better able to connect with and be authentic around people in general.  Then there is the fact that rationalists are far less likely to let pettiness and basic misunderstandings put a blight on their relationships.  What of the boys and girls or men and women who would find themselves free to befriend each other without making assumptions about the other wanting something romantic or sexual out of the relationship?  What of the spouses who avoid so much of the stupidity and superficial nonsense that poisons weak marriages?

Honesty, mutuality, sincerity, openness, and shared love of truth are all qualities that bind two rationalists together more than non-rationalists could ever experience in any type of relationship.  The rich depths of friendship and romantic relationships are not things that fall outside the domain of rationalism.  All things are governed by and revealed by reason, including truths about the social and emotional sides of humans!  Even aside from a clear, proof-based understanding of sociality and one's own self for the sake of knowing reality, there is much to gain when it comes to how one can bond with others who are not undeserving of personal openness and intellectual effort.  Rationalism brings knowledge of truth and greater stability in all aspects of life, and the deepest relational intimacy is there to enjoy because of it.