The Absolute Ends of Action

The term rational action is therefore pleonistic and must be rejected as such. No man is qualified to declare what would make another man happier or less discontented. The critic either tells us what he believes he would aim at if he were in the place of his fellow, or declares what condition of this other man would better suit himself. It is a mistake to assume that the desire to procure the bare necessities of life and health is more rational, natural or justified than the striving after other goods or amenities. However perishable and evanescent all human efforts may be, for man and for human science, they are of primary importance.