This quote suggests that while logic and reasoning (the “reason alone” part of the quote) may not provide a complete understanding or solution (the “whole steak”), they are certainly useful in discerning truth from falsehood (the “identifying bologna” part). In other words, while reason might not be able to provide all the answers, it can certainly help us detect when something is not right or is false.

Applying this idea to today’s world, we could think about the vast amount of information that we are constantly bombarded with through various media. In such a scenario, reason becomes an important tool to sift through this information overload and identify what’s true and what’s not. For instance, in the current era of “fake news”, using reason can help us discern credible sources from those that are not.

In terms of personal development, this quote could be interpreted as a reminder of the importance of critical thinking. While we might not always have all the answers, the ability to reason can help us make better decisions by identifying what’s false or misleading. It encourages us not to accept everything at face value, but to question, analyze and evaluate before forming our own opinions or making decisions.