Full Idea
One of the few experiments in the attachment of emotion to ends that mankind has not tried is that of devotion (so intense as to be religious) to intelligence as a force in social action.
Gist of Idea
We should try attaching the intensity of religious devotion to intelligent social action
Source
John Dewey (The Later Works (17 vols, ed Boydston) [1930], 9:53), quoted by David Hildebrand - Dewey 7 'Intro'
Book Reference
Hildebrand,David: 'Dewey' [One World 2008], p.183
A Reaction
An interesting thought that religious emotions such as devotion are so distinctive that they can be treated as valuable, even in the absence of belief. He seems to be advocating Technocracy.