it brings powers that are immensely satisfying and pleasurable, much deeper than the more manic pleasures the world tends to offer us.

First and foremost is the existence throughout history and in all cultures of people of high rationality, the types who have made progress possible. They serve as ideals for all of us to aim for.

Being able to tame the Emotional Self leads to an overall calmness and clarity.

Never imagine that you are someone who can withstand rising stress without emotional leakage. It is not possible. But through Self-awareness and reflection you can prevent yourself from making decisions you will come to regret.

You want to catch that Emotional Self in action. For this purpose, you must reflect on how you operate under stress. What particular weaknesses come out in such moments—the desire to please, to bully or control, deep levels of mistrust? Look at your decisions, especially those that have been ineffective—can you see a pattern, an underlying insecuri

The way to recognize this in yourself and in others is by noticing behavior that is suddenly childish in its intensity and seemingly out of character.

We feel a tremendous pull to imagine ourselves as rational, decent, and ethical.

these types share certain qualities—a realistic appraisal of themselves and their weaknesses; a devotion to truth and reality; a tolerant attitude toward people; and the ability to reach goals that they have set.

Being in a group does not stimulate independent reasoning but rather the intense desire to belong.