If humanism were right in declaring that man is born to be happy, he would not be born to die. Since his body is doomed to die, his task on earth evidently must be of a more spiritual nature. It cannot be unrestrained enjoyment of everyday life. It cannot be the search for the best ways to obtain material goods and then cheerfully get the most out of them. It has to be the fulfillment of a permanent, earnest duty so that one's life journey may become an experience of moral growth, so that one may leave life a better human being than one started it. It is imperative to review the table of widespread human values. Its present incorrectness is astounding. It is not possible that assessment of the President's performance be reduced to the question of how much money one makes or of unlimited availability of gasoline. Only voluntary, inspired self-restraint can raise man above the world stream of materialism.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Humanism must shift from seeking happiness and material goods to fulfilling a spiritual duty for moral growth.
- In plain terms
- Life is about moral growth and duty, not just happiness and wealth.
- What can you take from it?
- True purpose comes from moral duty rather than material pleasure.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What is your duty beyond personal gain?
- Is happiness the goal of life?
Another view
It dismisses the valid human desire for happiness and comfort.
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