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Western liberal humanism is not something that comes…

“Western liberal humanism is not something that comes naturally to us: like an appreciation of art or poetry, it has to be cultivated. Humanism is itself a religion without God-not all religions, of course, are theistic. Our ethical secular ideal has it's own disciplines of mind and heart and gives…” quote by Karen Armstrong
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“Western liberal humanism is not something that comes naturally to us: like an appreciation of art or poetry, it has to be cultivated. Humanism is itself a religion without God-not all religions, of course, are theistic. Our ethical secular ideal has it's own disciplines of mind and heart and gives people the means of finding faith in the ultimate meaning of human life that were once provided by the more conventional religions.”

Karen Armstrong

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Humanism requires deliberate cultivation, unlike innate appreciation of art, and serves as a secular source of meaning akin to religion.

In simple terms: Humanism must be cultivated as a secular source of meaning.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate humanist values deliberately.

Themes

humanism secularism meaning culture

Mood

thoughtful inspirational

Type

philosophical educational

When to use this quote

  • education
  • community building
  • personal development
  • public policy

Key Concepts

philosophy ethics spirituality

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies foster humanist values?
  • What practices nurture secular meaning?
A Different Perspective

Cultivation can be uneven across societies.

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