The World's Religions
by Huston Smith
"The World's Religions" by Huston Smith offers an insightful exploration of the major faiths of the world, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. Smith delves into the essential beliefs, practices, and historical contexts of each religion, emphasizing their spiritual depth and cultural significance. Through a compassionate lens, he highlights the common threads that connect these diverse traditions, promoting understanding and respect among different faiths.
20 curated highlights from this book
Key Insights & Memorable Quotes
Below are the most impactful passages and quotes from The World's Religions, carefully selected to capture the essence of the book.
Religion is not a matter of being right or wrong, but of being true to oneself.
The world’s great religions are like rivers that flow into the same ocean.
Each religion, in its own way, is a response to the fundamental questions of human existence.
To know the true essence of religion is to see it as a quest for the ultimate.
Faith is a daring trust in the unknown.
Mysticism is the heart of all religions.
The sacred is not confined to one religion but permeates them all.
Religious experience transcends the boundaries of particular faiths.
Compassion is the ultimate virtue that all religions advocate.
The purpose of life is to realize our inherent divinity.
The great religions are the great systems of meaning.
To be human is to be in search of meaning.
Religion is not a separate compartment of life; it is a way of seeing the world.
The ultimate goal of life is to realize one's true nature.
Every religion is a means of making sense out of the world.
There is a deep connection between spiritual insight and ethical behavior.
The sacred is not separate from the world; it is interwoven with it.
Faith is not a matter of believing in something, but of living it.
The experience of the divine is universal and transcends cultural boundaries.
Wisdom is the fruit of the spiritual journey.