Rationalist

I want to prepare you by saying that this method [of Jnana-Yoga] can be followed only by the boldest. 

Do not think that the man who believes in no church or belongs to no sect, or the man who boasts of his unbelief, is a rationalist. Not at all. In modern times it is rather bravado to do anything like that.

To be a rationalist requires more than unbelief. You must be able not only to reason, but also to follow the dictates of your reason. If reason tells you that this body is an illusion, are you ready to give it up? Reason tells you that heat and cold are mere illusions of your senses; are you ready to brave these things? If reason tells you that nothing that the senses convey to your mind is true, are you ready to deny your sense perception? If you dare, you are a rationalist.

It is very hard to believe in reason and follow truth. 

This whole world is full either of the superstitious or of half hearted hypocrites. I would rather side with superstition and ignorance than stand with these half hearted hypocrites. 

They are no good. They stand on both sides of the river.  

- Swami Vivekananda, 

  Class-Talk in New York, 

   (December 11, 1895)