“Reason has always existed, but not always in a reasonable form”
— Karl Marx
Simplified Meaning:
People have always had the ability to think and figure things out, but they haven't always used this ability in a smart or fair way. Think about how, throughout history, some leaders have made decisions that seem unreasonable now, like believing the earth was flat or burning people for witchcraft. They had the capacity to reason, but their thoughts and actions were not guided by a fair or sensible understanding of the world. In everyday life, we can remember to use our ability to reason carefully and justly, making sure our decisions make sense and are good for everyone involved. For example, if you're solving a problem at work or school, take the time to consider all the facts and possible solutions, rather than jumping to a hasty or unfair conclusion. This helps ensure that your reasoning is not just present, but also applied in a wise and effective manner.