The rational approach is a localized cognitive tool that relies on logic, inference, and the physical senses, focusing on solving specific problems and dealing with immediate physical evidence.
1974-1975 · The "Unknown" Reality, Volume TwoAI summary (single book)
In The "Unknown" Reality Vol 2, Seth offers a profound analysis of the "rational approach," placing it within the grand framework of humanity's exploration of reality. First, the rational approach is closely tied to the "outer method." Seth points out that humanity is very familiar with outer methods, which involve studying the objective universe, collecting facts, and drawing certain inferences from them . However, this rational approach, confined to the outer senses, has obvious limitations: humanity often does not deal with the power of thoughts or emotions, but only with their concrete effects, so that only physically materialized events are apparent . This orientation ignores inner evidence such as dreams and telepathy, and even causes scientists, because they do not believe in the existence of precognition, to be unable to look for it in the cells . Seth warns that if you follow facts slavishly, they can even lead you away from true knowledge, because facts do not necessarily give you wisdom . Second, Seth proposes a fusion of reason and intuition. He points out that reason and intuition actually go hand in hand . When the two work together, "higher reason" takes over, a superb blend of intuitive and rational abilities that almost forms a new faculty . This development can free people from old limitations and allow them to actually experience the unknown reality in an intimate way, rather than merely believing in it theoretically . Finally, with the development of technological civilization, the focus of reason is also shifting. As the world becomes more complex, the number of decisions multiplies, and space shrinks, the complexity of probabilities increases . When a possible problem becomes an actual problem, scientists, the representatives of the traditional rational approach, give it more consideration . When consciousness begins to understand the "prophetic action" involved in probabilities, people no longer feel trapped by single events . In summary, this book presents a unique perspective on how the rational approach evolves from a limited tool dependent solely on the physical senses into a "higher reason" integrated with intuition.
1977-1979 · The Individual and the Nature of Mass EventsAI summary (single book)
In The Individual and the Nature of Mass Events, Seth offers an in-depth discussion of the "rational approach" (or reasoning ability). He emphasizes that he has no intention of belittling reason, because reason occupies an extremely important position in human reality and is well suited to its own purposes. However, human beings have not yet truly and fully developed their own reasoning ability, so the current view of reason inevitably contains some distortions . The core operating mode and limitations of reason: According to Seth's discussion, the reasoning currently used by human beings deals with reality mainly through classification and distinction and by following the laws of causality, and its primary domain lies in examining the solid nature of events that have already been perceived and established as facts . In contrast to reason are intuition and imagination, which follow different modes of organization and work to bring events into a unity not confined by causal limitations . The historical development of reason and the subjective-objective split: The development of reason is closely related to the evolution of human civilization. In order to develop the technological world and complex social structures (that is, "second nature"), human beings had to make a split between the subjective world and the objective world . However, this split also brought disadvantages, making it easy for people to see themselves as victims of an indifferent nature or of a personified deity. In order to understand their own creativity, human beings must to some extent change the focus of attention and begin to perceive the connections between their own subjective reality and the events they perceive . The conflict between sensory inference and inner invisible patterns: The rational approach depends on the physical senses' perception of and inference about the material world. People regard the body and the material world as solid, reliable, and stable on the basis of the senses, but in fact the very senses that make such inferences are themselves the result of the behavior of constantly changing atoms and molecules . All objects perceived by human beings are caused by invisible, plastic patterns whose final forms are possibilities directed by consciousness. Over-reliance on rational inference based on the physical senses causes people to ignore the fluid inner psychic environment behind the material world that is directed by consciousness . In summary, the rational approach is indispensable in physical reality, but if it is regarded as the sole standard of truth while ignoring intuition, imagination, and the inner connections between the subjective and the objective, it will cause human beings to forget their own creativity and produce cognitive distortions about the nature of the material world.
1979-1980 · Dreams, "Evolution," and Value Fulfillment, Vol. 1AI summary (single book)
In Dreams, "Evolution," and Value Fulfillment, Volume 1, Seth offers an in-depth discussion of the operating mechanisms, limitations, and position of the "reasoning mind" (the core vehicle of the rational approach) within human consciousness.
I. The Operating Mechanism of the Reasoning Mind and Its "Divide to Conquer" Characteristic
Seth points out that when the reasoning mind operates, it tends to think that it must seek information from outside. This is because it works in coordination with the physical senses, and the physical senses can only provide limited information about the environment at any given time (for example, the physical eyes cannot see tomorrow's dawn, and today's legs cannot walk on tomorrow's streets) [chunk 2036]. Therefore, if the reasoning mind wants to know what will happen tomorrow, or what is happening beyond the range of the physical senses, it must try to deduce the information it wants through "reason" from the available information at hand [chunk 2036]. This mode of operation depends on observation and making inferences accordingly. Seth describes it as a "divide to conquer" approach: the reasoning mind must try to deduce the nature of the whole it cannot directly perceive from the physically available parts [chunk 2036].
II. The "Direct Cognition" Foundation Behind Reason
Although the reasoning mind possesses fascinating abilities of logic, inference, and observation, Seth reveals a distinctive aspect: the reasoning mind is actually built upon a kind of "direct cognition" [chunk 2039]. It is this direct cognition that powers human thinking and makes thinking itself possible. Human beings can think because they "know how to think" through (focused) thinking, even though the actual process of thinking remains a mystery to the reasoning mind itself [chunk 2039].
III. The Applicable Scope and Limitations of the Reasoning Mind
Seth affirms the important value of the reasoning mind in the physical world, while also pointing out its limitations within the larger framework of existence:
A tool for physical survival and free will: The reasoning mind is extremely necessary, effective, and suitable for physical survival and the utilization of free will, because the utilization of free will depends heavily on the perception of "clearly distinguishable actions" [chunk 2039].
A single system within the vast framework of existence: However, within the broader framework of existence, the reasoning mind "is only one of countless methods of organizing data," at best a "psychological filing system" [chunk 2039].
Relaxation in dreams: In dreams, the reasoning mind relaxes its control over perception. Because dreams involve vast amounts of data, the "net of reason" of the reasoning mind simply cannot accommodate such a large combination of information. Therefore, this information is processed at other levels of the psyche [chunk 2039].
In summary, the "rational approach" in this book is portrayed as a partial cognitive tool highly suited to the physical world and dependent on logic and inference. Although it is a powerful instrument for exercising free will, its foundation still depends on "direct cognition" that cannot be fully understood by reason itself, and its limitations become apparent when confronting dreams and the broader reality beyond the physical dimension [chunk 2036][chunk 2039].
Mike's commentary (Chinese)Mike's commentary
The Magical Approach · Chapter 24 related passages in this chapter
In the Seth philosophy, the "rational approach" or "reasoning mind" is a necessary and effective tool for human beings to organize data and exercise free will in physical reality . It relies on the limited physical information provided by the physical body's senses, using logic, inference, and observation to deduce the nature of the whole from its parts in a "divide to conquer" manner . However, within the broader framework of existence, the rational approach is not humanity's most basic, natural orientation, but rather an "added-on construction" , serving at best as a "mental filing system" . In modern society, the rational approach is often equated with the scientific frame of reference, evolving into a highly specialized, rigid, and exclusive way of handling affairs [chunk:13910, 13714].
II. Key Elaborations
1. The Operational Mechanism of the Reasoning Mind and "Divide to Conquer"
When operating, the reasoning mind often believes it must look outward for information. This is because the physical body's senses, working in tandem with it, can only provide limited information about the environment at any given time . To understand things beyond the range of the senses or in the future, the reasoning mind must make inferences from the currently available information through "reason" . Seth describes this way of operating—relying on observation, inference, and attempting to deduce the whole from physical parts—as "divide to conquer" . When faced with specific problems, the typical response of the reasoning mind is to make lists of problems, ask specific questions, and presuppose that the answers should present themselves in a way that conforms to its expectations and logic [chunk:2211, 2212].
2. The Scope of Application and Limitations of the Rational Approach
Seth affirms the important value of the rational approach in physical survival, but draws clear boundaries for its scope of application:
Scope of Application: The rational approach is quite effective in certain specific situations, such as the mass production of goods, scientific measurements, and objective calculations [chunk:13866, 13867].
Inapplicable Areas: Reason should not be used for the overall handling of life, the solution of subjective problems, or any artistic creation [chunk:13866, 13867]. Seth points out that "the measurement of a ruler has absolutely nothing to do with the measurement of a mind" .
Limitations: When facing dreams that transcend physical dimensions and the broader reality, the limitations of the rational approach become apparent. In dreams, because of the vast amount of data involved, the "rational net" of reason simply cannot contain such a large combination of information; therefore, the reasoning mind relaxes its control, allowing other levels of the psyche to process the information .
3. The Misuse and Dangers of the Rational Approach
When modern humans use the rational approach as the sole rule of conduct and abuse it excessively, many negative consequences arise:
Triggering Anxiety and Worry: In dealing with subjective or personal problems, the logic of the rational approach is "to solve a problem, you must worry about it," which triggers constant anxiety and depression by comparing the current situation with ideals .
Cutting Off the Source of Power and Leading to Hopelessness: The rational view of life isolates individuals from their own source of energy, and its limiting assumptions often lead people to a state of hopelessness [chunk:13702, 13903, 13704], making them feel they must constantly struggle against their environment, genetics, and their own physical body .
Interfering with Inner Processes: The misused reasoning mind feels it must personally direct and control all inner physiological and psychological processes. This is like an archer who, excessively worried about missing, focuses attention on images of fear, ultimately causing chaotic physical reactions in the body [chunk:13917, 13718].
Degradation of the Intellect: Modern science only recognizes external physical matter and denies subjectivity, leading to the degradation and stripping away of the "intellect" (which was originally capable of handling multiple worldviews), leaving only a single worldview that conflicts with humanity's innate biological and spiritual assumptions [chunk:13897, 13700].
4. The Unity of the Rational Approach and the Magical Approach
Seth does not completely reject reason, but instead advocates for uniting the "magical approach" and the "rational approach" into one [chunk:13919, 13718]. The true function of the intellect (reason) is to help make choices, perceive physical conditions, and set goals . Once the goals are established, the intellect should step aside, leaving the "work" of concrete realization to the body's spontaneous "inner complexity" and "orderly magic" [chunk:13917, 13717]. At the same time, people cannot completely abandon rational action; the magical approach should be perfectly integrated with practical life to inspire the intellect and stimulate physical movement [chunk:13919, 13719].
III. Evolutionary Context
In Seth's later works, the discussion of the concept of "reason" presents an evolutionary trajectory from "mechanistic analysis" to "practical deconstruction and reshaping":
In Dreams, "Evolution" and Value Fulfillment, Volume 1 (1979–1980), Seth primarily explores the "reasoning mind" from the perspectives of consciousness evolution and psychology, affirming its necessity as a tool for physical survival and free will, while pointing out its limitations as a "mental filing system" and emphasizing the underlying "direct cognition" [chunk:2036, 2039].
In Dreams, "Evolution" and Value Fulfillment, Volume 2 (1980–1982), Seth further combines reason with imagination, pointing out that any rational act contains imagination, and begins to introduce the "magical approach," noting that overreliance on rational logic limits the flexibility of human consciousness [chunk:12394, 2211].
By The Magical Approach (1980), Seth's critique and repositioning of the "rational approach" reached its peak. He not only points out how the rational approach has been alienated and programmed by scientific methods in modern society [chunk:13910, 13699], but also specifically analyzes the logic of "anxiety and worry" it brings when dealing with subjective problems , and clearly proposes a concrete path to unite the "rational approach" with the "magical approach," finding the correct positioning for the intellect [chunk:13919, 13718].
IV. Relationship with Related Concepts
Relationship with Direct Cognition: Direct cognition is the cornerstone of the reasoning mind. It is direct cognition that provides the impetus for human thinking and makes thinking itself possible, even though the actual process of thinking remains a mystery to the reasoning mind itself .
Relationship with Imagination: The two are not diametrically opposed but are intrinsically connected. Imagination deals with the "implied universe" (unmanifested reality), while reason deals with the immediate "evidence of the world" (physical reality), yet "any rational act involves imagination, and any imaginative act involves reasoning" .
Relationship with the Magical Approach: The magical approach (or natural approach) is humanity's innate, natural way of dealing with challenges , whereas the rational approach is an added-on construction . Overreliance on reason blocks the operation of the magical approach. The correct relationship is their unification: reason (the intellect) is responsible for setting goals, while the magical approach is responsible for the concrete realization [chunk:13917, 13717, 13919, 13719].
V. Representative Original Quotations
"In the larger framework of existence, the reasoning mind is simply one of the infinite ways of organizing data, serving at best as a 'mental filing system.'"
"Any rational act involves imagination, and any imaginative act involves reasoning."
"The true function of the intellect is to help make choices, perceive physical conditions, and set goals... Once the goals are established, the intellect should step aside, leaving the 'work' of concrete realization to the body's spontaneous 'inner complexity' and 'orderly magic.'" [chunk:13917, 13717]