Meaning: The quote "Reason is a supple nymph, and slippery as a fish by nature. She had as leave give her kiss to an absurdity any day, as to syllogistic truth. The absurdity may turn out truer" by D.H. Lawrence, the English writer, captures the complex and often enigmatic nature of reason. In this quote, Lawrence personifies reason as a "supple nymph" and compares it to a slippery fish, suggesting that reason is not easily grasped or held onto. The idea that reason is as likely to embrace an absurdity as it is to embrace syllogistic truth challenges traditional notions of rationality and logic.

The use of the word "nymph" to describe reason evokes imagery of a beautiful and elusive creature, emphasizing the seductive and enchanting nature of reason. By likening reason to a fish, Lawrence suggests that it is elusive and difficult to pin down, constantly slipping away from our attempts to fully understand and control it. This characterization highlights the mercurial and unpredictable quality of reason, which may at times seem to defy conventional expectations and lead us to unexpected and perhaps even absurd conclusions.

The statement "She had as leave give her kiss to an absurdity any day, as to syllogistic truth" further underscores the capricious and unpredictable nature of reason. Lawrence suggests that reason is just as likely to embrace an absurd and illogical idea as it is to embrace a carefully constructed and logically sound argument. This challenges the conventional view of reason as a steadfast arbiter of truth and rationality, suggesting instead that reason may be swayed by factors beyond straightforward logic and evidence.

The final assertion that "The absurdity may turn out truer" serves as a provocative and thought-provoking conclusion to the quote. It challenges the assumption that truth and rationality are always aligned, suggesting that what initially appears to be absurd or illogical may ultimately reveal a deeper truth or insight. This notion challenges the rigidity of traditional logic and reason, inviting us to consider the possibility that seemingly irrational or absurd ideas may contain unexpected wisdom or truth.

Overall, Lawrence's quote offers a nuanced and evocative portrayal of reason as a dynamic and enigmatic force that defies easy categorization. By personifying reason and employing vivid imagery, Lawrence prompts us to reconsider our assumptions about rationality and logic, inviting us to embrace the complexity and unpredictability of reason.

In conclusion, Lawrence's quote serves as a compelling meditation on the nature of reason, challenging us to consider the elusive and unpredictable qualities of rationality and logic. By characterizing reason as a "supple nymph" and a slippery fish, Lawrence evokes a sense of mystery and enchantment, inviting us to reconsider our understanding of reason as a purely rational and logical force. The suggestion that reason may be just as inclined to embrace absurdity as it is to embrace syllogistic truth challenges conventional notions of rationality, prompting us to consider the potential for unexpected insights and truths to emerge from seemingly irrational or absurd ideas. Ultimately, Lawrence's quote encourages us to embrace the complexity and enigma of reason, inviting us to explore the dynamic and multifaceted nature of rationality and logic.