It is in books, poems, paintings which often give us the confidence to take seriously feelings in ourselves that we might otherwise never have thought to acknowledge.
Alain De BottonRead
I tell my children what I think myself: That religion is not necessarily convincing, but it is still interesting and not to be laughed at or denigrated.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Religion has its merits and should be viewed with interest, even if not fully embraced.
In this quote, Alain De Botton expresses the idea that while he recognizes that religion may lack convincing arguments for some, it still holds significant cultural and personal interest. He urges his children to approach religion with respect rather than ridicule, highlighting the fine line between skepticism and appreciation for diverse beliefs.
Themes
ReligionInterestRespectBeliefsSkepticism
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on personal beliefs in a classroom setting.
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The more closely we analyze what we consider 'sexy,' the more clearly we will understand that eroticism is the feeling of excitement we experience at finding another human being who shares our values and our sense of the meaning of existence.
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Good books put a finger on emotions that are deeply our own - but that we could never have described on our own.
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It is the most ambitious and driven among us who are the most sorely in need of having our reckless hopes dampened through immersive dousings in the darkness which religions have explored. This is a particular priority for secular Americans, perhaps the most anxious and disappointed people on earth, for their nation infuses them with the most extreme hopes about what they may be able to achieve in their working lives and relationships.
Alain De BottonRead
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