Humanism is a worldview based on an accurate conception of human nature: humans are capable of both cruelty and great achievement, and education should prepare people to have high aspirations so they can control their egotistical desires, by making excellence attractive to the young through heroes, writers, scientists, and wise people who embody lives lived for ideals.

definitionpending

Speaker

David Brooks

Evidence Quote

Humanism is a worldview based on an accurate conception of who we are, that we're capable of cruelty, we're also greatness capable of great achievement and accomplishment...by making excellence attractive to the young.

Source

How America Recovers from All This | Yale Conversations with David Brooks | Yale UniversityYale Jackson School of Global Affairs
Created: 8/12/2026, 6:23:19 PM

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