“Enlightenment humanism, then, is far from being a crowd-pleaser. The idea that the ultimate good is to use knowledge to enhance human welfare leaves people cold. Deep explanations of the universe, the planet, life, the brain? Unless they use magic, we don't want to believe them! Saving the lives of billions, eradicating disease, feeding the hungry? Bo-ring. People extending their compassion to all of humankind? Not good enough—we want the laws of physics to care about us! Longevity, health, understanding, beauty, freedom, love? There's got to be more to life than that!”
Quote by Steven Pinker
Work
Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress
Browse quotes and source details for this work. more
Author
You May Also Like
Source: Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress
“The highest truth in the world is love.”
Source: When Humans Unite: Making A World Without Borders
Source: Conscience over Nonsense
Source: The Bengal Tigress: A Treatise on Gender Equality
Source: Conscience over Nonsense
“Greatness lies not in ruling a people, it lies in being the cause of happiness in their lives.”
Source: Conscience over Nonsense
Source: Let The Poor Be Your God
“The soul becomes dyed with the colour of its thoughts.”
Source: Meditations
