--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: modern man tries to replace vital awe and…" description: "\"“modern man tries to replace vital awe and wonder with a “How to do it” manual.”\" — Ernest Becker" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bdf/ernest-becker-7036_awe-and-wonder_modern-man-tries-to-replace-vital-awe-an_2706465.jpg" --- # modern man tries to replace vital awe and wonder with a… ![“modern man tries to replace vital awe and wonder with a “How to do it” manual.” quote by Ernest Becker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bdf/ernest-becker-7036_awe-and-wonder_modern-man-tries-to-replace-vital-awe-an_2706465.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bdf/ernest-becker-7036_awe-and-wonder_modern-man-tries-to-replace-vital-awe-an_2706465.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bdf/ernest-becker-7036_awe-and-wonder_modern-man-tries-to-replace-vital-awe-an_2706465.jpg) > ““modern man tries to replace vital awe and wonder with a “How to do it” manual.”” [Ernest Becker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ernest-becker/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Modern humanity seeks to replace awe with procedural knowledge, losing the mystery that inspires wonder. **In simple terms:** Procedures replace awe. Key Takeaway Preserve mystery alongside knowledge. Themes modernity wonder knowledge meaning Mood thoughtful critical Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - education - technology - spiritual practice - artistic creation Key Concepts existentialism psychology of awe cultural critique Questions to Reflect On - How can we balance method and mystery? - What practices keep wonder alive? 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Kushner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harold-s-kushner/) > [“We feel Divine Love entering us firstly through gentle, soft, humbling, kind and loving feelings, independent of any other person. 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