“Why should there be any more the old dividing line between man and his brother-man?”

— Felix Adler, Founding Address (1876)

About Felix Adler

1851 – 1933

German-born American educator, founder of the Ethical Culture movement.

“Love is the expansion of two natures in such fashion that each includes the other, each is enriched by the other.”

“The condition of all progress is experience. We go wrong a thousand times before we find the right path.”

“The rudder of our ship has ceased to move obedient to the helm.”

“Thou canst not joke an Enemy into a Friend; but thou may'st a Friend into an Enemy.”

“While both are dear, piety requires us to honor truth above our friends.”

“But thus do I counsel you, my friends: distrust all in whom the impulse to punish is powerful!”

“If you would keep your Secret from an enemy, tell it not to a friend.”

“Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity.”

“I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude.”