I decided (after listening to a 'talk radio' commentator who abused, vilified, and scorned every noble cause to which I had devoted my entire life) that I was both a humanist and a liberal, each of the most dangerous and vilified type. I am a humanist because I think humanity can, with constant moral guidance, create a reasonably decent society. I am terrified of restrictive religious doctrine, having learned from history that when men who adhere to any form of it are in control, common men like me are in peril. I do not believe that pure reason can solve the perpetual problems unless it is modified by poetry and art and social vision. So I am a humanist. And if you want to charge me with being the most virulent kind-a secular humanist-I accept the accusation.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The author declares himself a humanist and liberal, accepting that these identities are often vilified. He believes humanity needs moral guidance, poetry, and art to create a decent society, while fearing restrictive religious doctrine.
- In plain terms
- He identifies as a humanist who values moral guidance and art over strict religious rules to build a good society.
- What can you take from it?
- Embrace humanist values and reject rigid dogma to foster a decent society.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What defines a dangerous liberal?
- How does art modify reason?
Another view
Framing humanism as dangerous might alienate potential allies.
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