Chapter 9: Rationalization of Mankind

Page 17

“For the subject is essential to everyone who is seeking knowledge, and in addition it includes the praise of the highest virtue—I mean, of course, rational judgment. If, then, it is evident that reason rules over those emotions that

hinder self-control, namely, gluttony and lust, it is also clear that it masters the emotions that hinder one from justice, such as malice, and those that stand in the way of courage, namely anger, fear, and pain. Some might perhaps ask, ‘If

reason rules the emotions, why is it not sovereign over forgetfulness and ignorance?’ Their attempt at argument is ridiculous! For reason does not rule its own emotions, but those that are opposed to justice, courage, and self-control;

and it is not for the purpose of destroying them, but so that one may not give way to them.” 4 Maccabees 1:1-6 NRSV

Rational Judgment Rules Over Emotions!

“Now reason is the mind that with sound logic prefers the life of wisdom. Wisdom, next, is the knowledge of divine and human matters and the causes of these. This, in turn, is education in the law, by which we learn divine matters

reverently and human affairs to our advantage. Now the kinds of wisdom are rational judgment, justice, courage, and self-control. Rational judgment is supreme over all of these, since by means of it reason rules over the emotions.

The two most comprehensive types of the emotions are pleasure and pain; and each of these is by nature concerned with both body and soul.” 4 Maccabees 1:15-20 NRSV

Rational Judgment Is A Part of Wisdom!