In Religion for Atheists: A Non-Believer’s Guide to the Uses of Religion, Alain de Botton explores how secular society can draw from religious traditions to create community and promote well-being. Religions have long excelled at building a sense of belonging through rituals and shared experiences, encouraging connection and selflessness. In the past, physical activities like farming or building naturally brought people together. Today, however, society has become more individualistic, with many of us relying on media for connection, which can distort perceptions and deepen isolation. To address this, de Botton suggests that secular spaces—both physical and emotional—can foster genuine human connection, much like religious gatherings, but without the spiritual framework. By drawing on these ideas, we can enhance kindness, reshape public spaces, and build a more connected, compassionate society.
Bringing Kindness Back into Focus
One thing religions have consistently done well is reminding people to be kind. Whether through stories, rituals, or ethical teachings, kindness and compassion are always central. These values help people reflect on their actions and adjust when needed. In a more secular world, we could promote kindness by highlighting secular role models—people who embody traits like generosity, courage, and integrity. Think of them as “secular saints”—figures who inspire us to live better, more thoughtful lives, just like saints do in religious traditions. These role models don’t have to be limited to certain spheres. Whether they’re educators, artists, activists, or everyday people, the key is celebrating the best of human behavior and giving us examples to look up to.
Shifting Away from the Pursuit of “More”
Our society often places too much emphasis on material success. Advertising, consumerism, and commercial culture dominate, and it’s easy to get caught up in the chase for “more.” Religions, though, have always warned about the dangers of greed and the constant pursuit of power. They teach us to value empathy, community, and human dignity instead of just financial success. In a secular context, we can take these lessons and put more focus on emotional well-being and human connections. It’s about balancing ambition with a genuine concern for others and recognizing that true success includes mental and emotional health—not just material wealth.
Universities: Teaching More Than Just Careers
Universities have traditionally been places to prepare for careers, focusing on practical, utilitarian knowledge. But religious institutions have historically provided a broader scope, guiding people on how to live meaningful lives, navigate difficulties, and care for their “souls” (or inner selves). Secular education can borrow from this approach. We should rethink what we teach in schools, especially universities. Beyond preparing students for jobs, we should be teaching them how to live well-rounded, fulfilling lives. This could mean incorporating courses on ethical reasoning, emotional intelligence, and personal introspection—skills that matter just as much as academic or career success.
Reimagining Leisure Spaces: Hotels, Spas, and Retreats
Religious retreats offer mental and spiritual renewal, providing a sanctuary where people can reflect, reset, and reconnect. Secular spaces, like hotels and spas, could incorporate similar ideas. Instead of focusing solely on physical relaxation, these spaces could nurture psychological well-being and emotional growth. Imagine hotels or spas where, in addition to physical comfort, there are opportunities for mindfulness practices, ethical discussions, or even secular spiritual exercises. These places could provide a complete experience—one that cares for both the body and mind, helping visitors leave feeling truly renewed.
Museums and Architecture as Places of Reflection
Religious art and architecture have always carried deeper moral and spiritual lessons, inspiring contemplation and self-reflection. Secular spaces, like museums, can serve a similar role. The design of buildings and exhibits could encourage visitors to think deeply about their lives, their values, and their place in the world. We can design these spaces with purpose, ensuring they evoke serenity, kindness, and introspection. Just as temples and churches were built to inspire awe and contemplation, we can create museums and public spaces that invite us to slow down, reflect, and connect with something larger than ourselves.
Embracing Vulnerability and Awe
Religions often help us reconnect with our childlike needs for care, comfort, and connection. Statues, rituals, and sacred spaces offer a way for people to express their vulnerability without fear of judgment. Secular society could use more of this. We all have these deep needs, even as adults, and creating spaces where we can feel safe enough to express them would help foster a more compassionate world. Alongside this, secular society should embrace the sublime—those moments of awe that remind us of how small we are in the grand scheme of things. Whether through art, architecture, or nature, moments of transcendence help us gain perspective and see beyond the everyday. By rethinking the design of spaces like museums and outdoor areas, we can create more opportunities for people to experience this sense of awe.
Organizing Secular Efforts for Well-Being
Many people are already working toward mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being through personal projects or smaller community efforts. But there’s a need for more organized, secular institutions that bring these efforts together. Religions have been able to sustain large movements over time because of their institutional structures, and secular society could benefit from similar organization. By establishing community centers, educational hubs, or ethical gatherings, we could create the kind of supportive spaces religions have provided for centuries. These places could help people reflect on how to live meaningful, ethical lives, creating communities that offer both support and a sense of belonging.
Wrapping It Up: Learning from the Past, Shaping the Future
Religions have a lot to teach us about fostering community, promoting kindness, and balancing life’s pursuits. By borrowing some of these ideas and applying them in a secular context, we can build a more connected, compassionate society. Whether through education, reimagined leisure spaces, or new institutions for emotional well-being, there are countless ways to create environments where people feel supported, fulfilled, and connected to something larger than themselves.