Awe Quote by Gary A. Kowalski
“Religion, according to Alfred North Whitehead, is a phenomenon that begins in wonder and ends in wonder. Feelings of awe, reverence, and gratitude are primary, and these can never be learned from books. We gain them from sitting high on a cliff side, gazing at the sea, lost in reverie and listening to the laughter of children.”
About This Quote
Source Lecture: Philosophy of Religion, University of Toronto, 2019
Religion starts with awe and ends with awe; profound feelings of wonder cannot be taught, only experienced directly.
In simple terms: Religion is rooted in awe, not doctrine.
Key Takeaway
Seek direct experiences of wonder.
Themes
wonder
reverence
gratitude
spirituality
Mood
contemplative
inspirational
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- nature walks
- art appreciation
- childhood play
- meditation sessions
Key Concepts
philosophy
religion
experiential learning
Questions to Reflect On
- How can wonder coexist with critical thinking?
- What practices nurture authentic reverence?
A Different Perspective
Relying solely on awe may neglect rational inquiry.
