A distinguishing characteristic of all humanists is their cosmopolitan acceptance of sources of inspiration and authority outside of the traditions they inherited as a consequence of the accidents of their birth. In this regard, al-Kindi was exemplary:
We should not be ashamed of recognizing truth and assimilating it from whatever source it may reach us, even though it might come from earlier generations and foreign peoples. For him who seeks truth there is nothing of more value than truth itself. It never cheapens or abases him who searches for it, but ennobles and honors him.
--al-Kindi, On First Philosophy.
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