The Difference Between the Rational, Irrational and Superior Individual

I have a hidden system of association in which I distinguish two types of individuals in my life. This system determines who I can trust and who I should be aware of. This system describes those who are “rational” and those who are “irrational”. The difference between the two can be distinguishable, however not always. To determine which individual is which, one needs to get an understanding the way another individual thinks, their influence of culture, their use of reason, their perception of logic, their level of civility, and if they have the ability to critically think. To get a better understanding of the two I think it’s a good idea to list the differences and qualities of the two.

An irrational individual, similar to the “Mean” man stated by Confucius is an individual who is best described as a person of worldly desires. There is much that can be said about the irrational individual. Most of which are mostly negative qualities, such as materialism, greed, lust, ignorance, and desire for power and status. I find such individuals to best be avoided and to have compassion and ignore or look past their negative qualities. I believe the irrational individual's behavior or motives are more than likely dictated by religion and perhaps consequence. Nevertheless, the irrational individual's likeliness or desire to change is more unlikely. However, their ability to change and become a rational individual could come through education, further understanding of the world around them or to obtain the ability to critically think.

The Rational individual, on the other hand, is an individual that looks beyond the desires of the irrational individual. They cherish family, relationship, work ethic, education, and perhaps speak words of wisdom. Theses types of individuals may or may not posses the ability to critically think; however, they live life based upon virtuous principles. However, this individual could have the possibility to revert back to becoming irrational due to obstacles, life changes, change in environment or inability to get what they desire out of life. Nevertheless, rational individuals are understanding, compassionate, and can be admirably trusted.


Now that I have addressed the rational and irrational individual, I will describe the Superior individual. The Superior individual, also referred to as the Superior Man by Confucius,  is an individual of great wisdom, virtue, insight, usefulness, logic, understanding and trustworthiness. They seek ideas and solutions to instigate harmony, functionality and discovery. Their desires extend far past that of the irrational individual and cherish and improve the qualities of the rational individual. These are individuals I consider possible leaders, role models, and revolutionary thinkers. It’s my belief that the rational individual’s ability to critically think, share ideas, and act is what makes them seem as if they possess more-than-human or perhaps godly properties. Having such individual in one’s life is more than a blessing and a gift.

Now that I have addressed the differences and qualities of those who are rational, irrational, and superior, it’s with good intention to understand or decide which of the three you fit into.

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