I recently gave a talk to a Humanist group in Tallahassee. We discussed the elements of Humanism and why they are included in the definition.
The American Humanist Association defines Humanism as a progressive philosophy of life that, without supernaturalism, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment that aspire to the greater good of humanity.
We think we can do better - and that we should do better. We can always make progress and should never stop trying to make things better.
This is more pragmatic than theological. We want solutions that actually work so we look for evidence to prove that things work. As my friend Edgar Mitchell once told me - there is no such thing as supernaturalism. If something happens - it is by definition, natural. There is no need to ever appeal to supernaturalism. People who do - just aren't willing to admit that they believe something that has no factual basis to support it.
You don't have to be a victim of fate, you can do something to make the world better.
You are the change you want to see. Do it - be it and don't wait for others to make things better. It's your responsibility.
The way to make the world a better place - is to be a better person.
Life is to be lived. You have this one opportunity. Don't waste it. To paraphrase Albert Camus - if there is a sin in life, it must surely be hoping for another life while ignoring the implacable grandeur of this one. Live Life Fully!
I lost count of how many times I used the word - "better" in this post. Make the world better. Be a better person. All of this combines into helping the greater good of humanity. We strive to be ethical - not just for ourselves, but because being ethical contributes to the greater good of humanity. The idea that it's us vs the world is a false dichotomy and a dualistic way of viewing the world. We are the world. When we help the world, we are helping ourselves.
The American Humanist Association defines Humanism as a progressive philosophy of life that, without supernaturalism, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment that aspire to the greater good of humanity.
Humanism is Progressive
We think we can do better - and that we should do better. We can always make progress and should never stop trying to make things better.
Humanism is without supernaturalism
Humanism is about Human Agency - we have the ability to make the world better.
You don't have to be a victim of fate, you can do something to make the world better.
Humanism is about taking responsibility to make the world better.
You are the change you want to see. Do it - be it and don't wait for others to make things better. It's your responsibility.
Humanism is about living an ethical life
The way to make the world a better place - is to be a better person.
Humanism is about personal fulfillment
Humanism is about working for the greater good of humanity.
I lost count of how many times I used the word - "better" in this post. Make the world better. Be a better person. All of this combines into helping the greater good of humanity. We strive to be ethical - not just for ourselves, but because being ethical contributes to the greater good of humanity. The idea that it's us vs the world is a false dichotomy and a dualistic way of viewing the world. We are the world. When we help the world, we are helping ourselves.
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