"For humanism also appeals to man as man. It seeks to liberate the universal qualities of human nature from the narrow limitations of blood and soil and class and to create a common language and a common culture in which men can realize their common humanity"
- Christopher Dawson
About this Quote
In this quote, Christopher Dawson is going over the principle of humanism and its focus on the universal qualities of humanity. He argues that humanism intends to break down the barriers of race, citizenship, social class, and other divisions that typically separate people. Rather, it seeks to produce a shared language and culture that can join all individuals and allow them to accept their typical humanity. By doing so, humanism strives to promote equality and understanding amongst all people, stressing the significance of acknowledging and celebrating our shared human experience. Ultimately, Dawson suggests that humanism has the power to bring people together and transcend the restrictions that frequently divide us.
"We have our own history, our own language, our own culture. But our destiny is also tied up with the destinies of other people - history has made us all South Africans"