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Religion in some form is a universal function of man in society, the organ for dealing with the problems of destiny, the destiny of individual men and women, of societies and nations, and of the human species as a whole. Religions always have some intellectual or ideological framework, whether myth or theological doctrine; some morality or code of behaviour, whether barbaric or ethically rationalized; and some mode of ritualized or symbolic expression, in the form of ceremonial or celebration, collective devotion or thanksgiving, or religious art...

Julian Huxley#22

ReligionSocietyDestinyCultureRitual

About this quote

What does it mean?
Religion universally addresses destiny through frameworks, morality, and rituals in various forms.
In plain terms
Faith always offers ideas, rules, and rituals to help people deal with life's big questions.
What can you take from it?
Recognize religion as a universal tool for managing destiny and social order.

Where it applies

  • anthropology
  • community leadership
  • mental health

Putting it to work

  • map cultural rituals
  • understand social roles
  • study belief systems

Questions to consider

  • What functions does faith serve?
  • Are all societies religious?

Another view

Generalization may overlook unique or non-religious ways humans handle destiny.

More from Julian Huxley

  1. Man emerged as the dominant type on earth about a million years ago, but has only been really effective as a psychosocial organism for under ten thousand years…

    Permalink to quote #21
  2. Eventually the old ideas will no longer serve, the old ideological framework can no longer be tinkered up to bear the weight of the facts, and a radical recons…

    Permalink to quote #23
  3. This earth is one of the rare spots in the cosmos where mind has flowered. Man is a product of nearly three billion years of evolution, in whose person the evo…

    Permalink to quote #20

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