Irving Babbitt

A person who has sympathy for mankind in the lump, faith in its future progress, and desire to serve the great cause of this progress, should be called not a humanist, but a humanitarian, and his creed may be designated as humanitarianism.
Irving Babbitt


A remarkable feature of the humanitarian movement, on both its sentimental and utilitarian sides, has been its preoccupation with the lot of the masses.
Irving Babbitt


A democracy, the realistic observer is forced to conclude, is likely to be idealistic in its feelings about itself, but imperialistic about its practice.
Irving Babbitt

A man needs to look, not down, but up to standards set so much above his ordinary self as to make him feel that he is himself spiritually the underdog.
Irving Babbitt


According to the new ethics, virtue is not restrictive but expansive, a sentiment and even an intoxication.
Irving Babbitt


Democracy is now going forth on a crusade against imperialism.
Irving Babbitt


For behind all imperialism is ultimately the imperialistic individual, just as behind all peace is ultimately the peaceful individual.
Irving Babbitt


Act strenuously, would appear to be our faith, and right thinking will take care of itself.
Irving Babbitt


An American of the present day reading his Sunday newspaper in a state of lazy collapse is one of the most perfect symbols of the triumph of quantity over quality that the world has yet seen.
Irving Babbitt


Anyone who thus looks up has some chance of becoming worthy to be looked up to in turn.
Irving Babbitt