Huston Smith Quotes

A collection of quotes by Huston Smith.

Huston Smith (1919-2016) was an influential American philosopher, author, and scholar of religious studies. Born in China to Methodist missionary parents, Smith developed a deep fascination with Eastern philosophy and religion from an early age. He graduated from the University of Chicago and pursued further studies at the University of London and the University of Paris.

Smith's notable contribution to the field of religious studies was his comprehensive and inclusive approach to exploring different traditions. His widely acclaimed book, "The World's Religions," originally published in 1958, provided an accessible introduction to major global religious traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Confucianism, and Christianity. With his keen insights and empathetic approach, Smith aimed to promote interfaith understanding and dialogue.

Throughout his career, Smith taught at several prestigious institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Washington University in St. Louis, and Syracuse University. He also served as a visiting professor for various universities worldwide. Additionally, Smith was a sought-after speaker, delivering lectures on religion, spirituality, and the importance of cross-cultural understanding.

Huston Smith's scholarly work and his ability to bridge diverse religious traditions made him a highly respected figure in the field. His contributions continue to shape the study of comparative religion, promoting tolerance and appreciation for the world's diverse faiths.

Religion is the call to confront reality to master the self.

Religion is the call to confront reality to master the self.

I've spent the last 50 years or so steeping myself in the wo

I've spent the last 50 years or so steeping myself in the world's religions, and I've done my homework. I've gone to each of the world's eight great religions and sought out the most profound scholars I could find, and I've apprenticed myself to them and actually practiced each faith.

Rationalism and Newtonian science has lured us into dark woo

Rationalism and Newtonian science has lured us into dark woods, but a new metaphysics can rescue us.

Every society and religion has rules, for both have moral la

Every society and religion has rules, for both have moral laws. And the essence of morality consists, as in art, of drawing the line somewhere.

It is commonly said and known that each civilization has its

It is commonly said and known that each civilization has its own religion. Now my claim is that if we look deeper, the different civilizations were brought into being by the different revelations.

Human intelligence is a reflection of the intelligence that

Human intelligence is a reflection of the intelligence that produces everything. In knowing, we are simply extending the intelligence that comes to and constitutes us. We mimic the mind of God, so to speak. Or better, we continue and extend it.

Poetry is a special use of language that opens onto the real

Poetry is a special use of language that opens onto the real. The business of the poet is truth telling, which is why in the Celtic tradition no one could be a teacher unless he or she was a poet.

The faith I was born into formed me.

The faith I was born into formed me.

First of all, my persuasion is what really breeds violence i

First of all, my persuasion is what really breeds violence is political differences. But because religion serves as the soul of community, it gets drawn into the fracas and turns up the heat.

Exclusively oral cultures are unencumbered by dead knowledge

Exclusively oral cultures are unencumbered by dead knowledge, dead facts. Libraries, on the other hand, are full of them.

Whether things turn out for the better depends on what we do

Whether things turn out for the better depends on what we do. We ought not spend our time masterminding the future, but recognize our marching orders: to do the best we can for history and the planet.

In nature, the emphasis is in what is rather than what ought

In nature, the emphasis is in what is rather than what ought to be.