The idea that a self-imposed external constraint on action can actually enhance our freedom by releasing us from predictable and undesirable internal constraints is not an obvious one. It is hard to be Ulysses.
-- Reid Hastie & Robyn Dawes (Rational Choice in an Uncertain World)
The "Ulysses" reference is to the famous Ulysses pact in the Odyssey.
Another month has passed and here is a new rationality quotes thread. The usual rules are: