Flavor #12: Reason (Logos; Dianoia)

(Complete list and links to the 31 Flavors of Wisdom)

Meaning, Essence and Significance:  Reason is the product and gift of discourse, thoughtful engagement (#8) and discernment (#11). The Greek term Logos encompasses “word,” “speech,” and “principle,” and in Greek philosophy, Logos involved reflecting, mediating, and speaking with purpose, where emotions and truth are bridged, resulting in decisions rooted in understanding rather than impulse. Dianoia speaks to reason being the actual system of thought, in which your mind is “agitated or stimulated” to gain understanding, increase your intellectual capacity, and produces (wait for it) reasonable thoughts.  Together, these words reflect that reason is not static knowledge, but a living dialogue between what is spoken outwardly and what is contemplated inwardly. Reason is both communicated and cultivated and reflects a disciplined (#26) yet inspired journey from thought to meaning, and from internal agitation to external wisdom.

Practical Appearance and Nutritional Value: Reason manifests as a calm voice during disagreements and brings peace after fair conversations. It involves pausing between reaction and response, listens with the heart, provides insight and works for dignified experiences where understanding is supreme. Reason thrives in dialogue (“Dia Logos,” or “through the Word”), goes the extra mile and seeks reconciliation when ruptures occur. In relationships, reason is curious about emotions, feelings, thoughts, and integrates these with fairness to obtain an informed, fair, and mutually beneficial outcomes.  

Who deserves some of this seasoning?  “My child deserves a generous amount of reason. Instead of reacting emotionally or enforcing discipline without explanation, he needs a parent who listens, explains, and teaches. Reasoning with him involves helping him understand the values behind rules, mediating conflicts with justice (#17) and grace, and modeling respectful disagreement. Using this flavor makes for better conversations marked by understanding, thoughtful decisions and a stronger relationship.”

So thanks again for looking at these 31 Flavors of Wisdom and hopefully, participating in the 31 Day Wisdom Challenge, and for reading this excerpt from Cultivating Love: Wisdom for Life. As time permits, please visit the other blogs written by Dr. Ken McGill: Daily Bread for Life and “3–2- 5–4–24” for additional information that could be helpful.

Dr. Ken McGill, LMFT — Attachment Repair for Couples • Faith-Integrated Trauma Therapy in California • Healthy Adult Mode Therapy for High-Functioning Professionals. Dr. McGill provides attachment-focused therapy integrating psychology and spiritual formation for couples and individuals seeking structured growth, with telehealth available statewide in California and Texas and in-person sessions in Plano, TX. Learn more or schedule a session at drkenmcgill@live.com, www.drkenmcgill.com, or 972. 505. 6144.