A Very Humanist Statement

quinn: “I think that “attention is infinite” statement needs a little more unpacking. I do think it is infinite in the sense that it is within everyone’s grasp, in principle, to pay attention to as many topics and areas of life as do exist. This is an extension, for me, from the Buddhist idea that everyone has the capacity to reflect on their actions, to make their lives meaningful in ways that are ethical, and to make changes in themselves that enable them to choose a life that they have reason to value. So “attention is infinite” is actually a very humanist statement, in that I think the patterns of human behaviour, whether this be in relation to the greater environment, equals, superiors, subordinates, can all be subjected to mindfulness, contemplation, and aligned with longer-term commitments to sustainability and happiness.”