Edwin Louis Cole: 'Reasonable men adapt to the world around them unreasonable men make the world adapt to them. The world is changed by unreasonable men.'

Reasonable men adapt to the world around them unreasonable men make the world adapt to them. The world is changed by unreasonable men.

In his quote, "Reasonable men adapt to the world around them; unreasonable men make the world adapt to them. The world is changed by unreasonable men," Edwin Louis Cole succinctly captures the dynamic interplay between conformity and innovation in shaping our world. The essence of the quote lies in highlighting the transformative power of those individuals who defy conventional wisdom and challenge the status quo. Reasonable individuals tend to accept the existing norms and structures, adjusting themselves within the boundaries set by society. On the other hand, unreasonable individuals demonstrate a rebellious spirit, refusing to be constrained by societal expectations and instead striving to redefine those limitations.The importance of this quote can be seen in various historical and contemporary contexts where transformative change was driven by individuals labeled as unreasonable. Visionaries like Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, and Rosa Parks challenged oppressive systems, demanding justice and equal rights when it seemed impossible. By refusing to conform to unjust societal norms, they spearheaded movements that ultimately reshaped the world for the better. Their unreasonable demands forced society to confront its shortcomings and evolve in ways that were previously unimaginable.While it is easy to valorize the actions of unreasonable individuals for their role in instigating change, it is also essential to consider how reasonability can coexist with unreasonableness in a balanced approach to progress. One unexpected philosophical concept that sheds light on this balance is the idea of "creative tension" proposed by German philosopher and theologian, Friedrich Schleiermacher. According to Schleiermacher, creative tension arises from the interplay between opposing forces, such as reason and passion, tradition and innovation, stability and change.In applying Schleiermacher's concept to Cole's quote, we can view reasonableness as representing the stabilizing force of tradition and conformity, while unreasonableness embodies the disruptive force of innovation and change. It is within the tension generated by these opposing qualities that true transformation can occur. Reasonableness provides a solid foundation, ensuring continuity and stability, while unreasonableness introduces the necessary disruptions that propel society forward and drive progress.In conclusion, Edwin Louis Cole's quote serves as a powerful reminder of the role that both reasonableness and unreasonableness play in shaping the world we live in. While unreasonable individuals may be the catalysts for radical change, reasonableness provides the necessary grounding and structure for that change to take root and endure. By embracing the creative tension between these opposites, we can navigate the complexities of progress and ensure a balanced approach to transforming the world around us.