Meaning: The quote by Felix Adler speaks to the idea that ethical religion is only meaningful to those who are actively striving for moral improvement. Felix Adler was an influential educator and philosopher who founded the Ethical Culture movement in the late 19th century. The movement aimed to promote ethical living and social justice without the need for traditional religious beliefs. This quote encapsulates the central tenet of Ethical Culture, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and moral development in the pursuit of a meaningful and authentic religious or ethical life.

Adler's assertion that ethical religion can be real only to those engaged in ceaseless efforts at moral improvement reflects the belief that true religious or ethical conviction is not simply a matter of passive adherence to a set of beliefs or doctrines, but rather an active and ongoing process of self-examination and moral development. This aligns with the emphasis in Ethical Culture on the importance of ethical behavior and the pursuit of social justice in the here and now, rather than on otherworldly or supernatural concerns.

The idea of moving upward to acquire faith in an upward movement without limit suggests a belief in the potential for continual progress and improvement. This resonates with the progressive and optimistic outlook of the Ethical Culture movement, which envisions a world in which individuals and society as a whole can strive for ever-greater ethical awareness and positive change. It also reflects Adler's rejection of dogma and fixed religious doctrines in favor of a more dynamic and evolving understanding of ethics and morality.

Adler's emphasis on moral improvement as a prerequisite for a meaningful religious or ethical life aligns with the broader humanistic tradition, which emphasizes the potential for human beings to cultivate their ethical capacities and create meaningful lives through reason, compassion, and social engagement. In this view, religion and ethics are not simply matters of belief or ritual, but are intimately connected to the ways in which individuals and communities strive to live ethically and contribute to the well-being of others.

The quote also reflects Adler's rejection of a passive or complacent approach to religious or ethical belief. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of active engagement and personal responsibility in the pursuit of ethical living. This aligns with the emphasis in Ethical Culture on ethical action and social reform, as well as the idea that individuals have the capacity and the obligation to work towards a more just and compassionate world.

In summary, Felix Adler's quote captures the core ethos of the Ethical Culture movement, emphasizing the importance of active moral improvement and the rejection of passive or dogmatic approaches to religion and ethics. It reflects a humanistic and optimistic outlook, highlighting the potential for continual ethical progress and the importance of personal engagement and responsibility in the pursuit of a meaningful and authentic ethical life.