Chapter 1: The Nature of Human Irrationality

Despite our remarkable achievements—landing on the moon, creating instant global communication, splitting atoms, and mapping the human genome—we remain surprisingly irrational beings. This paradox is largely due to evolution, which has layered advanced cognitive functions over our more primal instincts, akin to a crocodile brain.

However, when we engage our higher cognitive abilities, we can accomplish extraordinary things. By channeling our intellect, as the Upanishads suggest, we can harness our emotions and achieve great feats. Emotions are integral to our humanity; they bring joy, love, and even the more intense feelings like anger. Yet, as many philosophers have pointed out throughout history, the key to a fulfilling life is to ensure that emotions do not dominate our decision-making. They should have a voice, but not the final say, for when emotions take control, they often lead us into illogical territories.

A striking example of this illogic can be observed in the anti-racist movement. Some of its most radical advocates have gone so far as to label punctuality as an expression of white supremacy. Moreover, they have condemned objectivity itself as a trait of white supremacist culture, as highlighted by activist Tema Okun. This perspective identifies various traits, such as perfectionism and individualism, as markers of this so-called culture.

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This view may surprise many in the scientific, judicial, and journalistic fields who strive for truth and objectivity. How can a society thrive without objectivity being a core value? Objectivity provides a neutral and detached viewpoint, vital for fair judgment in courts and unbiased reporting in the media. In contrast, subjectivity, rooted in personal feelings, can lead to chaos. Would we want judges to be overtly biased? Or would we prefer to have clear distinctions between news reporting and opinion pieces to avoid further societal division?

Another domain plagued by irrationality is faith-based religion. As a lifelong atheist, I have often critiqued religion for its illogical foundations. While my views have softened over time, my commitment to rational thought prevents me from granting religion a free pass. Religion often aspires to be more than just a moral guide; it attempts to offer an all-encompassing worldview, frequently conflicting with scientific understanding and societal norms.

The opposition to scientific advancements, such as stem cell research and the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, demonstrates how religion can hinder human progress. By prioritizing faith over reason, it opens the door to unsubstantiated claims, such as virgin births or miraculous resurrections, which are accepted without evidence.

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Furthermore, we see the rise of "wokeism," a quasi-religious ideology that merges elements of both radical activism and traditional faith. This movement often employs logical fallacies, such as false dichotomies, and relies on contradictions, perpetuating a cycle of illogic. For instance, claims like "silence is violence" and the denial of reverse racism showcase this flawed reasoning.

As I continue to confront the pervasive illogic in society, I embrace the philosophy that no cause is so noble that it should sacrifice logic and reason. Without a commitment to rational inquiry, we risk losing our humanity altogether. Rejecting our capacity for logic reduces us to our primal instincts.

Colby Hess is a freelance writer and photographer from Seattle, and author of the freethinker children’s book The Stranger of Wigglesworth. If you appreciate my work and wish to receive updates on new stories, please subscribe here.