So you propose to spread rationality by encouraging irrationality?
Even assuming that this will work — that is, not just get people to buy into rationality (that part is simple) but actually become more rational, after this initial dose of irrational motivation — what do you suggest we do when our new recruits turn around and go “Hey, wait a tick; you guys got me into this through blatantly irrational arguments! You cynically and self-servingly pandered to my previously-held biases to get me on your side! You tricked me, you bastards!”? Grin and say “worked, didn’t it”?
So you propose to spread rationality by encouraging irrationality?
Even assuming that this will work — that is, not just get people to buy into rationality (that part is simple) but actually become more rational, after this initial dose of irrational motivation — what do you suggest we do when our new recruits turn around and go “Hey, wait a tick; you guys got me into this through blatantly irrational arguments! You cynically and self-servingly pandered to my previously-held biases to get me on your side! You tricked me, you bastards!”? Grin and say “worked, didn’t it”?
That seems to be what the quote is arguing.
The quote is spoken by a devil, who’s deliberately seeking to destroy and devour a person…
The speaker does not himself believe that materialism is true; he is giving advice on how to make another believe a falsehood.
And do you think it’s a good idea?