Reason In All Things
When we aren't guided by reason, we are ruled by impulse and unthinking habits—the very things we usually end up regretting.
"Hurry to your own ruling reason, to the reason of the Whole, and to your neighbor's. To your own mind to make it just; to the mind of the Whole to remember your place in it; and to your neighbor's mind to learn whether it's ignorant or of sound knowledge—while recognizing it's like yours." Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 9.22
If reason isn't running your life, what is? Too often, we let our lives be ruled by impulse, sudden whims, or just mimicking those around us.
When we act without reason, we are driven by unthinking habits rather than conscious, deliberate choices. If you examine your past behavior, you will likely find that the moments you regret the most are exactly the times you failed to evaluate the forces driving your actions.
Common Questions
What happens when we aren't guided by reason?
We end up being ruled by unthinking habits, mimicry, and sudden impulses rather than acting consciously.
Why do we regret irrational choices?
Because they are made automatically and without taking the time to properly evaluate our behavior.
Your Key Takeaway: Make conscious, deliberate choices. Letting impulses and unthinking habits rule your behavior is the fastest path to regret.