Why Does Reason Cowardly Retreat in the Face of Absurdity?
By Dr. Noble Nwigwe, CEO Remote Practice Managers
Reason, The Timid Spectator: How Reason Fails Humanity
In the grand theater of human affairs, “Reason” is often portrayed as the noble protagonist—wise, fair, and armed with logic. Yet, time and time again, when faced with the brute force of absurdity, it recoils, surrendering the stage to madness. From political conflicts to economic policies, reason is constantly overshadowed, outmaneuvered, and rendered impotent in crucial moments when its presence is needed the most.
The Ukraine-Russian war stands as a glaring example of this tragic irony. When diplomacy was sought as the vehicle of reason, it crashed against the walls of brute force, ambition, and power play. The United Nations, meant to be a bastion of reason, finds itself shackled by the ever-dominant “veto power,” reducing it to an institution that watches conflicts rather than resolving them. Why does reason fail? Why does it shrink when irrationality marches forward with reckless abandon?
Tariffs: Another Nail in the Coffin of Reason
The latest economic maneuver by the United States—an aggressive tariff policy against both allies and adversaries—once again exposes reason’s frailty. For decades, economic theories have extolled the virtues of free trade, mutual benefit, and market-driven policies. But today, as economic nationalism gains traction, reason is shoved aside, deemed too weak to guide policy. What use is an education in economic principles, trade relations, and diplomacy when decision-making bends to populism, emotion, and political expediency?
A World of Experts, Yet a Failure of Wisdom
We live in an era of unparalleled access to education and expertise. Prestigious institutions churn out graduates in conflict resolution, public policy, international relations, and psychology—yet conflicts rage on, political discourse degenerates into chaos, and economic policies defy the very logic they teach in classrooms. If knowledge cannot translate into wisdom, then what is the purpose of education? If reason cannot triumph, then why do we pretend it holds power?
The Powerless Guardian: Why Reason Fails to Lead
Reason is not dead—it is simply outnumbered. Its voice is drowned in the cacophony of misinformation, fear, and power struggles. It lacks the force of coercion, while absurdity comes armed with propaganda, mass hysteria, and the raw appeal of emotion. The truth is, reason is often inconvenient. It demands patience, compromise, and long-term thinking—qualities that are in short supply in a world driven by immediate gratification, political survival, and ideological fanaticism.
Can Reason Regain Its Strength?
As bleak as this portrait may seem, all is not lost. The key to reviving reason lies in changing the structures that suppress it. We must redefine leadership to reward rational thought rather than sensationalism. We must restructure global institutions to prioritize fairness over power politics. And, most importantly, we must cultivate a society that values reason not just in theory, but in practice.
Until then, absurdity will continue its reign, while reason watches from the sidelines—powerless, timid, and betrayed by those who should have been its champions.
About the Author
Dr. Noble Nwigwe is a thought leader, author, and CEO of Remote Practice Managers, Inc., a consulting firm that optimizes healthcare practices through innovative remote technologies. With a passion for philosophical reflections on human nature, governance, and the societal impact of decision-making, Dr. Nwigwe explores the paradox of human intelligence in an age of limitless knowledge yet profound irrationality.