First Things Podcast What Was Humanism?
Oct 14, 2024
Eric Adler, a Classics Professor at the University of Maryland and author, explores early 20th-century humanism through the correspondence of Irving Babbitt and Paul Elmer Moore. He discusses the shift from classical education to research universities and critiques the focus on science at the expense of the humanities. The conversation delves into Babbitt’s fierce intellect and his influence on the literary canon, alongside a personal transformation tied to Shakespeare’s legacy, blending faith with philosophical exploration.
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New Humanism Principles
- New Humanism sought to revive historical humanist principles, emphasizing ethical dualism.
- It aimed to cultivate good impulses while suppressing base ones, crucial for individual and societal well-being.
More's Critics
- Paul Elmer More described himself as, "the most hated author in existence," likely an exaggeration.
- He was criticized for being a puritan, but he held intellectual respect for Jonathan Edwards while also finding his theology repulsive.
Babbitt's Personality
- Irving Babbitt, known as the "warring Buddha of Harvard," was a combative personality who readily challenged opposing views.
- He was interested in the similarities between Buddhism, Christianity, and Greek philosophy, reflecting his ecumenical approach to religion.