Civilized Quote by Walter Lippmann
“When men can no longer be theists, they must, if they are civilized, become humanists.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Spirit of Democracy, 1945
When belief in gods fades, civilized people should adopt humanism.
In simple terms: Without religion, become humanist.
Key Takeaway
Embrace humanist values.
Themes
secularism
humanism
civilization
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- education curricula
- public policy
- community building
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
ethical philosophy
human rights
Questions to Reflect On
- What does humanism mean to you?
- How can societies transition peacefully?
A Different Perspective
Humanism may conflict with cultural traditions.
![“That country [Carthage] was rapidly sinking into the state of barbarism from whence it had been raised by the Phoenician colonies and Roman laws; and every step of intestine discord was marked by some deplorable victory of savage man over civilized society.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70c/edward-gibbon-710_barbarism_that-country-carthage-was-rapidly-sinkin_393.jpg)
