The ability to grasp reason transcends one's era, geographical location, gender, ethnicity, social class, and educational background. In a sense, rationalism is inherently egalitarian directly from the start because of this fact. Reason places the keys to autonomy in every person's mind, offering its depths to anyone willing to accept them. This, by extension, allows every individual to reason at least some truths out on their own, apart from the presence or ideological shadow of other people.
Such autonomy is rarely described as an expression of originality, and yet it is exactly that. Each person who discovers a logical truth through personal reflection alone practices originality, though it is a different form of originality than that which entails the discovery or production of something that is wholly or relatively new. Moreover, every person who recognizes their capacity for autonomous reasoning is capable of experiencing the deep fulfillment that can arise from utilizing one's intellect in such a manner.
Such autonomy is rarely described as an expression of originality, and yet it is exactly that. Each person who discovers a logical truth through personal reflection alone practices originality, though it is a different form of originality than that which entails the discovery or production of something that is wholly or relatively new. Moreover, every person who recognizes their capacity for autonomous reasoning is capable of experiencing the deep fulfillment that can arise from utilizing one's intellect in such a manner.
Both forms of originality can bring with them a deep sense of empowerment, for novelty and autonomy alike can serve as deep wells of contentment, excitement, and self-inspiration. Autonomy is always present in originality, whether or not one has discovered or put forth something that is truly new in the sense that few or no others have previously discovered it. Where there is autonomy, there is originality, as independence can stand entirely apart from novelty when one's worldview is one's own.
The thrill of originality (in both senses) can remind individual thinkers that that it is folly to hold others in high regard due to their reputation or mere appearance of intelligence. At a minimum, one must examine another person's claims for oneself in the light of reason, though it is entirely possible (and ideal) to independently prove logical facts or contemplate an issue before interacting with someone on matters of philosophy, science, or theology. While subjective fulfillment is trivial compared to comprehension of truth, empowerment is not an irrational priority, only a secondary one. To recognize that reason grants autonomy is to open the door to a fulfillment that spans the emotions and the intellect.
The very nature of logic is that logical truths can be privately grasped without any exposure to the claims of other people, including unacknowledged or neglected truths, and every person is free to pursue a sense of autonomy-based excitement as long as excitement is not regarded more highly than truth. The empowering feelings that can be derived from intellectual originality are only a pleasurable side effect of autonomy, as the most important aspect of originality is a direct apprehension of truth itself. Even so, given that the priorities of a sound thinker are in the correct order, there is no reason to trivialize the empowerment associated with originality--and there is significant personal benefit to embracing it.
The thrill of originality (in both senses) can remind individual thinkers that that it is folly to hold others in high regard due to their reputation or mere appearance of intelligence. At a minimum, one must examine another person's claims for oneself in the light of reason, though it is entirely possible (and ideal) to independently prove logical facts or contemplate an issue before interacting with someone on matters of philosophy, science, or theology. While subjective fulfillment is trivial compared to comprehension of truth, empowerment is not an irrational priority, only a secondary one. To recognize that reason grants autonomy is to open the door to a fulfillment that spans the emotions and the intellect.
The very nature of logic is that logical truths can be privately grasped without any exposure to the claims of other people, including unacknowledged or neglected truths, and every person is free to pursue a sense of autonomy-based excitement as long as excitement is not regarded more highly than truth. The empowering feelings that can be derived from intellectual originality are only a pleasurable side effect of autonomy, as the most important aspect of originality is a direct apprehension of truth itself. Even so, given that the priorities of a sound thinker are in the correct order, there is no reason to trivialize the empowerment associated with originality--and there is significant personal benefit to embracing it.
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