Meaning: The quote "Secular humanists suspect there is something more gloriously human about resisting the religious impulse; about accepting the cold truth, even if that truth is only that the universe is as indifferent to us as we are to it" by Tom Flynn, captures the essence of secular humanism and its perspective on the human experience and the universe.

Secular humanism is a worldview that emphasizes the importance of reason, ethics, and justice, while rejecting supernatural and religious beliefs as the basis for morality and decision-making. It is a philosophy that places human beings and their well-being at the center of ethical and moral considerations, without relying on the guidance of deities or religious doctrines.

The quote suggests that secular humanists find something inherently human and noble in resisting the religious impulse, which implies a conscious choice to reject supernatural beliefs and instead embrace a worldview based on reason and evidence. This resistance to the religious impulse is seen as an affirmation of human autonomy and the ability to confront the "cold truth" of existence without relying on comforting but potentially unfounded beliefs.

Furthermore, the quote alludes to the idea that accepting the "cold truth" – the idea that the universe is indifferent to human existence – can be a liberating and empowering realization. It acknowledges the vastness and indifference of the universe, highlighting the insignificance of humanity in the grand scheme of things. This acknowledgment of the universe's indifference, in contrast to religious narratives that often place humans at the center of cosmic significance, is a central tenet of secular humanism.

Tom Flynn, the author of the quote, is a prominent figure in the secular humanist movement and the executive director of the Council for Secular Humanism. His writings and advocacy have contributed to the promotion of secular humanist principles and the advancement of secularism as a positive and meaningful worldview.

From a secular humanist perspective, embracing the "cold truth" of the universe's indifference can be seen as an opportunity to fully appreciate and embrace the human experience without the need for supernatural validation or intervention. It encourages individuals to find meaning and purpose in their lives through human connections, ethical actions, and the pursuit of knowledge and understanding, rather than through reliance on religious doctrines or the promise of an afterlife.

In conclusion, the quote by Tom Flynn encapsulates the core principles of secular humanism, emphasizing the importance of resisting the religious impulse and embracing the cold truth of the universe's indifference. It reflects the secular humanist commitment to reason, autonomy, and the pursuit of a meaningful and ethical life grounded in human values and experiences.