The Little Book of Humanism

1. We Are Children of Earth, Connected to Nature

The humanist has a feeling of perfect at-homeness in the universe.

Part of nature. Humanists see humanity as an integral part of the natural world, not separate from it or divinely created. We are the product of billions of years of cosmic and biological evolution, sharing ancestry with all life forms on Earth. This perspective fosters a deep connection to the environment and a sense of belonging within the vast story of the universe.

Natural phenomenon. The universe is understood as a natural phenomenon without supernatural purpose or direction. Our existence isn't due to a higher power's plan, but the contingent result of natural processes. This understanding liberates us to find meaning within this life and this world.

Responsibility for Earth. Recognizing our place within nature brings a profound responsibility. Unlike other species, humans possess unique abilities to understand and transform the world, leading to both incredible progress and destructive potential. This awareness compels humanists to advocate for environmental stewardship and the welfare of all sentient beings.

2. Embrace Your Unique Self and Strive for Growth

Friendship with oneself is all-important because without it one cannot be friends with anyone else in the world.

Celebrate uniqueness. Each person is a unique combination of genes, experiences, and personality, an unprecedented "experiment" in being human. There is no single archetype; every individual is a valid expression of Homo sapiens. This inherent diversity is a strength of the human species.

Personal development. Understanding yourself – your thoughts, motivations, and biases – is a lifelong pursuit. By reflecting on why you do what you do, you can work towards personal improvement and resilience. This ongoing process of self-knowledge allows for continuous growth and a better life.

Self-compassion and kindness. Alongside self-improvement, humanists emphasize the importance of self-acceptance and self-compassion. Being kind to yourself, acknowledging faults and frailties, is crucial for well-being and enables you to extend genuine compassion to others. Practicing kindness, like any skill, can be developed through conscious effort.

3. Diversity and Equality Are Foundations for a Better World

I am human, I think nothing human alien to me.

Shared humanity. Despite our differences, humanists believe all people share fundamental dignity and equal worth simply by being human. Recognizing our common origins and shared story fosters empathy and connection across perceived divides. This understanding is a powerful antidote to tribalism and fear of the different.

Rejecting prejudice. While evolutionary history may have instilled tendencies towards group preference, reason and empathy allow us to overcome these primitive instincts. Humanists actively campaign against discrimination based on race, sex, gender, or any other arbitrary distinction. The concept of "race," for instance, is seen as a harmful social construct with no biological basis.

Human rights and mutual respect. The radical idea of universal human dignity is best protected through the recognition and guarantee of human rights. Peaceful societies are built on mutual respect and tolerance for differences. Progress towards a more just and compassionate world is possible through human effort, guided by shared values and the pursuit of global justice.

4. Being Good Comes From Within, Guided by Reason and Empathy

A humanist is someone who always tries to do the right thing, even though no-one is watching.

Natural morality. Humanists believe morality is not derived from supernatural commands but is rooted in our natural social instincts and the need for cooperation. Studies suggest universal moral principles like helping others and fairness have evolved to promote the common good. We have an innate capacity for empathy and kindness.

Thinking for yourself. Without divine authority, humanists hold that individuals must take responsibility for their moral choices. We use reason, empathy, and consideration of consequences to determine right from wrong. While we can learn from past wisdom, ultimately, deciding what kind of person to be and how to act is an empowering personal responsibility.

Empathy and reason combined. Making good decisions requires both the ability to understand others' perspectives (empathy) and careful consideration of the situation and potential outcomes (reason). The Golden Rule ("treat others as you would like to be treated") is a widely accepted principle, but humanists refine it by emphasizing the need to understand others' actual wishes and interests, not just project our own.

5. Think Clearly: Question Everything and Seek Evidence

Don’t take anybody’s word for it. Find out for yourselves.

Seek evidence and reason. Humanists prioritize reason and evidence as the most reliable ways to understand the world. They are skeptical of claims based on faith, revelation, or unquestioned authority. Asking "why" and demanding explanations and evidence are fundamental to clear thinking.

Beware cognitive biases. Human minds are prone to shortcuts (cognitive biases) that can lead to faulty conclusions, such as favoring information that confirms existing beliefs (confirmation bias) or being overly influenced by initial information (anchoring bias). Recognizing and actively trying to avoid these biases is essential for rational thought.

Skepticism and changing minds. A critical mind questions everything, including its own beliefs and memories, which can be unreliable. Being prepared to change your mind when presented with new evidence is a virtue, not a weakness. Engaging with differing viewpoints, even constructing "steel man" arguments for opposing ideas, strengthens your own understanding and brings you closer to reality.

6. Science and Human Effort Drive Real Progress

Isn’t it a noble, an enlightened way of spending our brief time in the sun, to work at understanding the universe and how we have come to wake up in it?

Progress is real. Despite challenges, human history shows significant progress driven by increased understanding and human effort. Science, as a method of observation, experimentation, and testing hypotheses against evidence, has been our most powerful tool for advancing knowledge and improving lives. It has replaced superstition with understanding.

Science benefits humanity. The application of scientific knowledge has led to dramatic improvements in human well-being, including longer, healthier lives, increased food production, and technological advancements. While science can be misused, its benefactions, like the virtual abolition of diseases, far outweigh its miscarriages when viewed historically.

Optimism and responsibility. Humanists are optimistic about the potential for continued progress through human ingenuity and cooperation. Figures like Marie Curie, William Beveridge, and John Boyd Orr exemplify the humanist commitment to using knowledge and effort to solve problems and build a better future for all. This progress is a testament to human capacity, not divine intervention.

7. Religion is a Human Creation; Reality is Enough

It is far better to grasp the universe as it really is than to persist in delusion, however satisfying and reassuring.

Human origins of religion. Humanists view gods and religions as products of human imagination, culture, and historical circumstances. Early humans, lacking scientific understanding, created supernatural explanations for natural phenomena and sought solace in the face of life's uncertainties, particularly death. Gods often reflect the characteristics and desires of the people who created them.

Atheism or agnosticism. Humanists typically do not believe in gods (atheism) or find the question of their existence unknowable or irrelevant (agnosticism). They see no compelling evidence or logical reason to accept supernatural claims. The natural world, understood through science, provides sufficient wonder and complexity.

Freedom of belief and dialogue. While rejecting religious claims about reality, humanists champion freedom of thought and expression for all. They advocate for working with people of different beliefs towards common goals like social justice and peace. However, they also critique religious doctrines or institutions when they are seen as unethical, oppressive, or hindering progress.

8. Accepting Death Frees Us to Live Fully

We have two lives, and the second begins when we realize we only have one.

Life is finite. Humanists accept the scientific understanding that consciousness is a function of the brain and that life ends at death. There is no evidence for a soul or an afterlife separate from the body. This perspective, while potentially challenging, is seen as facing reality honestly.

Death is natural. Death is a natural and inevitable part of the cycle of life. Accepting mortality can provide perspective, highlighting the preciousness and brevity of our time. The fear of death, though natural, can be managed by acknowledging it and focusing on the life we have.

Legacy and connection. While individuals cease to exist, their influence persists through their descendants, their actions, their contributions to society, and the memories held by those who loved them. We carry forward the legacy of those who came before us, and others will carry ours. This understanding emphasizes the importance of living a life that contributes positively to the human story.

9. Create Your Own Meaning and Live Well

Happiness is the only good, the time to be happy is now, and the way to be happy is to make others so.

Meaning is created. Humanists believe that meaning in life is not discovered but created through our experiences, relationships, and pursuits. The universe has no inherent purpose, but we can imbue our own lives with significance. This empowers individuals to define what a fulfilling life means for them.

Sources of fulfillment. Living well involves seeking fulfillment through various avenues:

• Relationships: Love, friendship, family, and community connections are central.
• Curiosity & Creativity: Exploring the world through science, art, and personal expression enriches life.
• Contribution: Working to improve the lives of others and the world provides purpose.
• Engagement: Actively participating in life, pursuing interests, and embracing experiences.

Live actively and responsibly. Recognizing that we only have one life encourages living fully in the present. While external circumstances play a role, humanists emphasize taking initiative and making choices to shape our lives. This includes caring for our physical and mental health and striving to leave the world better than we found it.

Last updated: May 4, 2025