Ethical Culture

“Without ‘ethical culture’ there is no salvation for humanity.” This quote is attributed to Einstein when he was asked to comment on Humanism/ Atheism.

For what it is worth, here is my 2 cents:

I think it is generally agreed upon that Einstein was a brilliant and highly intelligent man, with whom many great accomplishments are attributed. He was, by his numerous biographies, a man who in his early life had anger issues, eugenics beliefs, a massive ego and an ambition for things not yet fully explored. In short, he was flawed, brilliant and rational.

From my own end, i wish to comment on the quote above.

It would be hard pressed to find someone who wouldn’t agree that theist institutions promote degrees of ethical/ moral cultures. It is my argument that these promotions are fallacious and wholesale lies, perpetuated by a structure whose focus is only power and money. The inherent hypocrisy theism represents is nothing short of destructive and negative to all humans and their varied social constructs.

Humanism, by it’s very name, is a true Ethical Culture since it is inherently evolving with us and by it’s inception promotes greater ranges of free-thought and mutual association. The major difference, in my opinion, between theism and Humanism is that religion assumes that no person can change on their own, while Humanism asserts that only people can change themselves through reciprocal relationships, knowledge, inquiry and gathering of communal and self wisdom.

I state that religion wants all people to fear themselves, other people and the inevitable change that underlines all life on Earth. Qualities such as generosity, respect, and love can be achieved through self-reflection, encouragement and community without resorting to dead end religious ideals such as gods, prophets and mass fear. Is a person expected to repent everyday? What is the point? Shouldn’t progress encourage forgiveness on its own? I feel it is so.

If i want to change, i must be willing to participate in journeys of self development and also be willing to encounter the negative aspects of my self and face them without fear but excitement knowing that any change is a step forward towards true self understanding.

Do not be fearful. There is no fear.

All peoples should be ethical simply because that is what any person should want for it’s own sake, not for the sake of fear. Once the human factor is excused, what reason for love is there?

J