Quote by James A. Michener, The World is
I am a humanist because I think humanity can, with constant moral guidance, create reasonably decent societies. I think that young people who want to understand the world can profit from the works of Plato and Socrates, the behaviour of the three Thomases, Aquinas, More and Jefferson - the austere analyses of Immanuel Kant and the political leadership of Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt.
Summary
This quote explains the speaker's identification as a humanist due to their belief that humanity has the potential to create just and fair societies through consistent moral guidance. They highlight the importance of studying influential figures like Plato, Socrates, Aquinas, More, Jefferson, Kant, Lincoln, and Roosevelt, as their works and behavior can provide valuable insights for young people seeking to understand the world and contribute positively to society. With an emphasis on critical thinking, ethical analyses, and compassionate leadership, the quote implies that humanism can serve as a guiding principle for the betterment of humanity.