This site is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Alan William Smolowe who gave birth to the creation of this database.
The wake of Moses, of Buddha, of Confucius, of Lao Tse, of Christ, probably exert a greater influence over humanity today than when these men were pondering over its fate and happiness. No man ever disappears completely if he strives to do good and expects no reward outside of the joy of having contributed to the progress of mankind.
Fate | Good | Humanity | Influence | Joy | Man | Mankind | Men | Progress | Reward | Fate |
In all ages, literature aims at the interpretation of the universe and a deep perception of humanity by means of language.
Aims | Humanity | Language | Literature | Means | Perception | Universe |
Authentic humanity evolves to the extent that blind egotism erodes. To expand the heart and mind in ever-wider circles of empathy so that, starting with oneself, those circles embrace one’s family, one’s community, one’s nation, and finally humanity - this is the Confucian aim.
Any industrial technology that dramatically extends our capabilities also makes us uneasy by challenging our concept of humanity itself.
Humanity | Technology |
Nancy Newhall, fully Nancy Wynne Newhall
Conservation is humanity caring for the future.
Conservation | Future | Humanity |
How are we to bring children to the spirit of citizenship and humanity which is postulated by democratic societies? By the actual practice of democracy at school. It is unbelievable that at a time when democratic ideas enter into every phase of life, they should have been so little utilized as instruments of education.
Children | Citizenship | Democracy | Education | Humanity | Ideas | Life | Life | Little | Practice | Spirit | Time |
Ernest Renan, aka Joseph Ernest Renan
All the great things of humanity have been accomplished in the name of absolute principles.
Absolute | Humanity | Principles |
Man is but a short, critical stage between the animal and the spiritual. His state is one of constant wavering, of soaring and descending. Undeviating humanity is nonexistent. The emancipated man is yet to emerge.
Tired of humanity and its heritage laden with a tiny heart emptied of its contents, we wander each in his own way, purposeless and helpless.
Desmond Tutu, fully Desmond Mpilo Tutu
My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.
Humanity |
Jerome Bruner, fully Jerome Seymour Bruner
To create consists precisely in not making unclear combinations and in making those which are useful and which are only a small minority. Invention is discernment, choice. If not a brute algorithm, then it must be a heuristic that guides us to a fruitful combination. What is the heuristic?
Choice | Discernment | Invention |
We believe that humanity stands at the threshold of its next great leap. However, our success in making this transition depends on our willingness to develop a greater vision and a clearer sense of responsibility for one another. Understanding and articulating the nature and dynamics of consciousness is key to achieving this new vision.
Consciousness | Humanity | Nature | Responsibility | Sense | Success | Understanding | Vision |