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Explore the philosophical connections between Leo Apostel's "atheistic spirituality" and Albert Einstein's "cosmic religious feeling" in this conference talk examining their shared worldview. Discover how both thinkers developed a non-dogmatic philosophical stance centered on spiritual appreciation of the universe, mediated through mathematics, science, and art, without requiring traditional God concepts. Learn about the misunderstandings both philosophers faced regarding their spiritual perspectives, with Apostel being misinterpreted as reconciling with theism and Einstein being accused of promoting atheism by religious authorities. Examine how this "cosmic spiritual feeling" emerges from humility, awe, and wonder about the universe, driven by scientific inquiry rather than religious doctrine. Understand how this philosophical position transcends traditional categories of atheism, theism, deism, and pantheism by focusing on the direct relationship between human consciousness and cosmic reality. Gain insights into how both thinkers used meditation and contemplation to connect with the universe, including Apostel's practice of imagining what it's like to be a celestial body. Delivered as part of the centenary celebrations for Leo Apostel at the Free University of Brussels, this presentation clarifies misconceptions about Apostel's atheistic spirituality while drawing parallels to Einstein's cosmic religious sensibility, demonstrating how scientific understanding can coexist with spiritual appreciation of existence.
