"The humanities are the cultural infrastructure of our communities. What connects us as communities is strengthened by humanities."

"Utah Humanities is a vehicle for personal learning about being a human in Utah. And for demonstrating our sameness and celebrating all the different human characteristics of our fellow Utahns, present and future."

Sometimes I think about the work that any of us do in the humanities; there is an element in our heads, in our offices, in our own world. But I think Utah Humanities helps us, encourages us, to come out and bleed from our heart, to bleed from an outward-looking, grand outward-looking space."

"We almost forget about the core of the humanities, because we feel like we’ve got to speak this market language, this vocational emphasis. But, what about making citizens? What about taking care of each other? What about recording our history and understanding our problems in a nuanced way? Shedding light?"

“The ways in which a good, collaborative dialogue between members of a community, whether it was in a town meeting or not, would be similar to a good jazz band, or a bluegrass band in the way they listen to each other, the way they filled the role of accompanist at times, took the lead, riffed off what other said.”

"I think an understanding of who we are and where we came from, and who we are as people, as human beings is extremely important."

"Humanities is the discipline that takes in everything else; we’re the spoke on the wheel."

“The success of Utah Humanities depends on the people of Utah, who are open-minded, curious, and willing to get involved. They’re accustomed to digging in, getting their hands dirty, getting the work done. They’re life-long learners, but it goes beyond the idea of taking an extension course: it’s being actively involved in something that you’re interested in, and you want to share with someone else. And that – just seeing that energy, and enthusiasm, and hard work is inspirational.”

"I had “the humanities” as a part of my life ALL of my life. I had never considered what it might be like to grow up without books, without a sense of the country’s history, or an introduction to art. I never really thought about what the trajectory of my life would have been had I never been introduced to powerful language or intriguing ideas at an early age."

“It’s really inspiring how much people care about humanities work, without always calling it humanities: it’s just their lives. And I loved being able to see that and be part of that. It’s not humanities for everyone; it is for us, because we know what it’s called. But for other people it’s the work of their lives, it’s the work of their neighbors. And it’s about being connected, whatever they call it, it’s truly remarkable.”

“What I walked away with from Utah Humanities is that ultimately it is the centerpiece of celebrating, educating, understanding, and most importantly, protecting human dignity in Utah.”

"I don’t have a memory of not having the love of story in my life. I mean, from the time I was little, my mother was a storyteller; she was keeping the history alive, she was saying, “This is who you are and why; and you’re making that happen.”

Speaking of humanities, that’s what school was all about, educating the person to adapt and contribute to society that requires a certain base: a foundation of learning. And that’s what that school provided to me. They basically prepared me to become an ambassador for my people."

"The humanities as a way of relating to individuals, to people, and making a difference in their lives, so that they could then be fuller, more complete human beings, as we talked about the humanities."

"The humanities have helped me to make sense of my family's history in northern Utah, and orient myself toward a progressive vision for the future of our state. The Humanities have brought me to the understanding that human beings are part of the miraculous web of living things, all connected in ways we are barely beginning to understand, and that we are not separate from nature."

"I continue to be curious about all things. My life is so much richer because of the Humanities. Where would we be without the Humanities? Could we even exist? How boring would that be?! I don’t think I want to know. I AM the Humanities!"

"Well-written literature has helped me better appreciate my fellow travelers on this planet we call Earth, and the humanities have helped me be a better human."

"On a deeper level, my early experiences with music, books, and film helped create an internal well I can draw from in times of anxiety, confusion, sorrow, curiosity, and joy to bring me closer to my own humanity and that of others. "

"The humanities invite slowness and reflection. They invite us to listen, to imagine, to connect across time and culture and experience. They teach us that the things we struggle with today—identity, grief, ambition, love, injustice, hope—are not new. We are part of an ongoing human conversation, and our questions are shared ones.

"In my life I am now more determined, goal-oriented, and I know myself a lot more due to this course (Venture Course in the Humanities). I have found out what I am capable of…and the world better watch out!"