Elmer Davis
From Philosopedia
Davis, Elmer (13 January 1890 - 18 May 1958)
A newspaper man, radio commentator, and author of But We Were Born Free (1954) about an attack by Senator Joseph McCarthy, Elmer Davis wrote concerning humanism:
I am afraid I have never attempted to define my philosophic position, even to myself. Naturalistic humanism seems, from your definitions, to be about the nearest of those you mention; but I am skeptical about the ability of mankind to attain the good life at any time soon. This due to something that might be called original sin or original stupidity—whatever it is, there is plenty wrong with the human race.
Mary Moliski and Ray Boomhower have written a short biography, describing how at Davis's funeral
- Everyone was a bit teary after a particular heartfelt adieu. Suddenly the microphone crashed to the floor. Everyone jumped, startled. It was obvious that the hand of no human at all had done this. Then the sound of soft laughter waved through the church. It seemed that everyone had the same thought: Elmer was sick and tired of all the excessive speeches and wanted to get on with the business at hand!
