What is Humanism?

Discover Humanism in less than a minute!

Humanism is the outcome of a long tradition of free thought that inspired many of the world’s great thinkers and creative artists and gave rise to science itself. Humanism is ethical and rational, and supports democracy and human rights. It also insists that personal liberty must be combined with social responsibility. Humanism is a response to the widespread demand for an alternative to dogma and religion. It values artistic creativity and imagination. Humanism is a way of life that brings meaning and fulfilment. By utilising free inquiry, the power of science and creative imagination for the furtherance of peace and in the service of compassion, Humanists have confidence that human beings have the means to solve the problems that confront us all. ― Amsterdam Declaration 2022

“I find humanism to be the most rational and positive philosophy for life. And it’s not a new thing at all - the history of humanist thought is deep and inspiring” — Alice Roberts
“Humanism is an approach to life based on reason and our common humanity, recognising that moral values are properly founded on human nature and experience alone” — The Bristol Humanist Group
“Life has no meaning a priori… It is up to you to give it a meaning, and value is nothing but the meaning that you choose.” ― Jean-Paul Sartre
“Humanism is a progressive philosophy of life that, without theism or other supernatural beliefs, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfilment that aspire to the greater good.” — American Humanist Association
“A secular State embraces freedom of religion or belief, the equal treatment of persons regardless of faith, and the separations of religious and state authorities.” — Simon Blackburn

Breaking it Down

Meaningful Lives

Human beings have the right and responsibility to give meaning and shape to their own lives, and humanism offers a framework for doing it. Finding the meaning of life cannot be left to others.

A Humane Society

Humanism attempts to build a more humane and democratic society, where fulfilment is the goal and people are treated with dignity and respect, and have equal rights and opportunities.

Ethics and Natural Values

Humanism recognises that humans have naturally evolved value sets as well as cultural ones. Ethics is the process of refining our values and determining how to act in line with those values.

Reason and Free Thought

Humanism relies on reason and free inquiry. People can build on their knowledge but also question it. This involves carefully evaluating evidence, and not blindly accepting ideas from others like friends, social and traditional media, or authority figures.

Gods and the Supernatural

Humanism does not believe in gods that answer prayers or interfere in the natural world (theism), and it does not accept supernatural explanations of reality. Such explanations are unreliable, lack evidence, and have been used to defy human rights and reason.

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