We are delighted to shine the spotlight this week on Rainn Wilson—a dynamic voice who uses his artistry, faith, and humanitarian commitment to awaken compassion in our world. With humor, heart, and unflinching honesty, Rainn calls us to live more deeply, connect more broadly, and love more courageously.
A Creative Life in Service
Rainn is best known for his role as Dwight Schrute on The Office, but his work extends far beyond acting. He is the co-founder of the media collective SoulPancake, which invites us to ask life’s big questions—and to explore how compassion and meaning emerge in the cracks of everyday life.
In his memoir The Bassoon King: My Life in Art, Faith, and Idiocy, he reflects on the intersection of art and faith, writing:
“And I want to find a way to be of service to humanity. I think that’s crucial. … So want to be an artist and a servant, a humanitarian, and I want to play goofy weirdoes.”
Another line captures his deep conviction:
“We need to work on making ourselves better human beings, one day at a time… we must… make the world a better, more just and unified place… until all seven billion of us individually, collectively, and politically truly know in our hearts that it is through loving harmony and the pursuit of true collaboration that we can heal the problems of the world.”
These words reflect a lifelong commitment: to embrace our quirks, our pain, our longing—and use them to fuel something greater.
Why We Celebrate Rainn Wilson
Rainn’s selection as a Karen Armstrong Humanitarian Awardee reflects the enormous breadth and depth of his work:
- Bridging art and activism: Through SoulPancake and his public voice, Rainn opens doors to empathy, introspection, and creative expression—showing that compassion begins with the stories we tell and the laughter we share.
- Championing service and humanity: His statement about “being of service to humanity” underscores his belief that creativity is bound with compassion, and that using one’s gifts means reaching out to others.
Inviting inclusive dialogue: Rainn has spoken powerfully on issues of justice, equality, and education—for example:
“And I do believe that the way to change a society, to uplift people — not just their spirit, but to uplift their society and economic base — is through education.”
- His voice calls us not only to comfort the afflicted, but to build systems that lift communities.
- Exploring spirituality and meaning: Whether through his writing or his global travels in Rainn Wilson and the Geography of Bliss, Rainn invites us to lean into our humanity—our imperfection, our wonder—and to let compassion guide our journey.
In honoring Rainn, we recognize a life lived at the intersections—of craft and cause, faith and fun, the personal and the planetary.
Join Us to Celebrate
We are thrilled that Rainn Wilson will receive the 2025 Karen Armstrong Humanitarian Award at our virtual celebration on November 15. This is a special moment to honor his work—and to recommit ourselves to building compassionate communities around the globe.
Learn more about the Gala and register here
Stay tuned: next week we will profile our final awardee, and together we will celebrate those who heal, uplift and unite humanity!
Together, let’s keep compassion alive.
With warmest regards,
Marilyn Turkovich
