The Classic Assumption of Reason

The assumption that we must use our rational mind to dominate our emotions has trickled down through the centuries and continues to define much of our culture today. The classic assumption says that if a person is undisciplined, unruly or malicious, it's because he lacks the ability to subjugate his feelings. Obese people are ridiculed and shamed because their obesity is seen as a failure of self-control. We celebrate people who beat their emotions into submission.