--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: religions merit our attention for their…" description: "\"“religions merit our attention for their sheer conceptual ambition; for changing the world in a way that few secular institutions ever have. They have ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/723/alain-de-botton-221_art_religions-merit-our-attention-for-their_2684509.jpg" --- # religions merit our attention for their sheer conceptual… ![“religions merit our attention for their sheer conceptual ambition; for changing the world in a way that few secular institutions ever have. They have managed to combine theories about ethics and metaphysics with a practical involvement in education, fashion, politics, travel, hostelry, initiation…” quote by Alain de Botton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/723/alain-de-botton-221_art_religions-merit-our-attention-for-their_2684509.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/723/alain-de-botton-221_art_religions-merit-our-attention-for-their_2684509.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/723/alain-de-botton-221_art_religions-merit-our-attention-for-their_2684509.jpg) > ““religions merit our attention for their sheer conceptual ambition; for changing the world in a way that few secular institutions ever have. They have managed to combine theories about ethics and metaphysics with a practical involvement in education, fashion, politics, travel, hostelry, initiation ceremonies, publishing, art and architecture”” [Alain de Botton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alain-de-botton/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Religions pursue grand, interdisciplinary projects, influencing ethics, culture, and daily life more than many secular bodies. **In simple terms:** Religion aims to shape worldviews and many aspects of life. Key Takeaway Recognize religion’s broad societal impact. Themes culture ethics influence interdisciplinary society Mood reflective analytical Type philosophical critical When to use this quote - education reform - political activism - artistic patronage - community rituals Key Concepts metaphysics practical engagement institutional power Questions to Reflect On - How do religious institutions balance ambition with inclusivity? - What responsibilities arise from their cultural reach? A Different Perspective Religions can also perpetuate conflict or exclusion. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Art](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/art/) [Changing the world](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/changing-the-world/) [Philosophy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophy/) [Religion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/religion/) ## Related quotes > [“religions merit our attention for their sheer conceptual ambition; for changing the world in a way that few secular institutions ever have. 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But Jesus' disciples…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/philip-yancey/curiously-the-righteous-pharisees-had-little-historical-impact-save/) [Philip Yancey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/philip-yancey/) > [“No one ever changed the world waking up at noon.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/connor-chalfant/no-one-ever-changed-the-world-waking-up-at-noon/) [Connor Chalfant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/connor-chalfant/) > [Some women are meant to change the world, while others are meant to hold it together. And then there are those of us who…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jodi-picoult/some-women-are-meant-to-change-the-world-while-others-are-meant-to/) [Jodi Picoult](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jodi-picoult/) > [If you learn something that changes you, you've made progress. 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