Quotessence
Home / Quotes / Quote by Corliss Lamont

Quote by Corliss Lamont

“Humanism involves far more than the negation of supernaturalism. It requires an affirmative philosophy . . . translated into a life devoted to one's own improvement and the service of all mankind.”

Quote by Corliss Lamont

Author

Corliss Lamont
Corliss Lamont

Corliss Lamont (1902-1995) was an American philosopher, humanist, and peace activist who taught at Columbia University for decades. He was a prominent figure in the American humanist movement and a dedicated advocate for socialism and world peace. His seminal work "The Philosophy of Humanism" became a foundational text in the humanist movement, influencing generations of thinkers and activists committed to human reason and ethical progress. more

You May Also Like

“The beginning of wisdom is the awareness that there is insufficient evidence that a god or gods have created us and the recognition that we are responsible in part for our own destiny. Human beings can achieve this good life, but it is by the cultivation of the virtues of intelligence and courage, not faith and obedience, that we will most likely be able to do so.”

“Do you say that religion is still needed? Then I answer that Work, Study, Health and Love constitute religion. . . . Most formal religions have pronounced the love of man for woman and woman for man an evil thing. . . . They have said that sickness was sent from God. . . . Now we deny it all, and again proclaim that these will bring you all the good there is: Health, Work, Study - Love!”

“For the Humanist, . . . head and heart . . . must function together. . . . The constitution of the Phillips Exeter Academy reads: 'Though goodness without knowledge . . . is weak and feeble, yet knowledge without goodness is dangerous. . . . Both united form the noblest character and lay the surest foundation of usefulness to mankind.'”

“Laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. . . . We might as well require a man to wear the coat which fitted him when a boy as civilized society to remain forever under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors.”