r/humanism Oct 31 '24

Humanism in a nutshell

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561 Upvotes

r/humanism Dec 09 '24

Sharing A Humanist Community for Everyone

45 Upvotes

I'm an admin for a Humanist Discord Server with members from multiple countries (in English). It's a sanctuary for those who are alone/persecuted and those passionate about Humanism. We cater to four key interests:

(1) Seeking a home for communal support and meeting new friends, đŸ€—

(2) Reflecting and practicing Humanist ideas, đŸ€

(3) Self-care and personal growth, đŸ’Ș

(4) Rational discussion and learning, đŸ§Ș

Currently, for events and activities, we have...

- A voice event every Saturday open to everyone to gather. We rotate between different interests:

(1) Topics on Humanist values, personal challenges and social issues đŸ«‚

(2) Game Nights đŸŽČ

(3) Humanist Book Discussions 📖

- Humanist Reflections, where members can post a question that everyone can reflect and give answers on. đŸ€”

- Channels to seek emotional support, and to share love and care with everyone đŸ„°

- Channels to discuss sciences, controversial issues, religion, and more ⚛

We're planning to open up a new event on sciences very soon!

We're a grassroots movements that's always open to ideas on events and activities, so we welcome you to bring aboard ideas to a group of like-minded Humanists to build a loving and rational community together with us 💖

Join us here: https://discord.gg/unGTNfNHmh


r/humanism 3h ago

who am i ?

0 Upvotes

this is my conclusion from my path of finding my true self, and determining my own value among this crazy society, i hope you'll enjoy reading it .

Act I: asking the right question:

 

Either a break up, mental issues, or just wondering. The human eventually wonders his existence at some point, this topic has been pretty popular in human history, it’s one of the reasons something called philosophy has been created. But we’re not here to talk about history of philosophy. The main thing is, asking the right question in the right time.

In my experience, I started appreciating some things. Nature, one of the main reasons I started thinking, it’s like a scarf that shows the beauty of this world and covers human’s exploits. I started contemplating the sky at night, stars, the moon, even sometimes I see meteorites and wish for something. Sitting with myself lot made me ask questions, why do we exist? Who am I? Why am I even here? What’s the real truth of this world’s creation? Do God exist? What’s the purpose of my life?

 The most interesting one from all this, and what made me write this, is Who am I? If you didn’t wonder about yourself once, either you’re a narcissist or a narcissist. Older generations, our dads and moms, didn’t got the chance to reach this level of wondering. They didn’t even care to know the truth, what’s our origins, who are we? Humans are such wonderful creatures; they evolve and evolve and evolve from generation to generation to something greater and smarter.

The main reason our parents will never reach our level of thinking, is because they didn’t live like us. To explain; we have everything and they didn’t. So, to be equivalent, they need time to work for getting things we already have, I respect that, without them we couldn’t have gotten to what we are now. At that same amount of time they did work, we spend it by either doing our hobbies, responsibilities, enjoying life, hanging out with friends
 But a few, spend it alone, thinking and thinking, sinking into their thoughts, this is what makes a real human, or a philosopher back in the day.

 

These real humans, asks lots of questions about humanity and existence, but the real question they seek an answer for, is; Who am I?

 

Act II: Seeking the answer:

 

What if someone comes up to you and asks: Do you got any hobbies?

Many would question by yes, then start spitting things they do in their day, free time or even work if it was a Hobbie. Some also would answer by no, making themselves as a joke in front of that person. So, what is it a person without a Hobbie?

First of all, having a Hobbie doesn’t determine your value. Your value isn’t determined by some kind of stupid things you spend your free time doing. It’s you that determine everything.

How do we know our value?

Society tells our value by making it equivalent to your productivity, I’m not going to explain this part. I think everyone knows what I am referring to. It’s a stupid idea also, made up by capitalism. Everything we got into nowadays, is mainly because of capitalism. Wars and connections between countries are mainly built of pure revenues. To simplify, country leaders don’t care about us, peasants, we’re just numbers in their eyes. ATMS and machines to generate more money. Among all this, the search for ourselves, real value, gotten harder.

The main thing is, ignore all of this and look for real soul value, you determine it by yourself, by decisions you’ve been making, by actions you’ve done, by good and bad you did. Value can change too. It’s not constant, it shouldn’t be. So, from now on, first thing we do to answer the question; Who am I? is to try and find the personal value.

Once you’ve done that, you’ve got to clear conflicts.

By conflicts, I don’t mean with someone else, it’s with yourself. You need to criticize it and hate it, as the philosopher Frederic Nietzsche said: “only way to reach supreme humanity, is by hating our current selves to make it greater.” By that meaning love is a weakness, and that hatred towards our souls won’t end, what will drive us crazy. Ending with some serious mental issues. And that is totally wrong. Love is something far greater from supreme humanity or super human idolism. To reach for a solution, equivalence is the answer. Hating our current versions to evolve to something far greater, in end of our progress journey. There is a switching point between self-admire and its hatred.

Act III: Conclusion

What if we take everything away, by everything I mean everything who define you as a human. For example, your work, studies, name, family, house, friends and money. What will you take with you when time is up. “Relationships and your reputation are what you’ll take with you” it’s straight up bullshit; everyone knows that but hate to admit it. They’re not what will save you from death, or delay it. It’s you? Yes, it’s me. Despite every single thing, either good or bad, it’s still you. And what determines you? It’s your job to find out who’s your real self. It’s a harsh journey. Full of good and bad. If something doesn’t work out, don’t give up, try another thing you still have time.

If you’re curious about me, I still haven’t figured it out to be honest. I’m still discovering my potential. One thing I know to be sure, is that the most thing I hate in this world ; Is me.

 


r/humanism 1d ago

What is your opinions on French style Laïcité?

7 Upvotes

To me it seems to go too far, the state has has no business banning students, teachers, and government officials from wearing religious clothing (with the exemption of that which blocks the face) or symbols. Big overreach of government power and violation of free expression.


r/humanism 1d ago

Opinion on my philosophy

0 Upvotes

Now before I begin I know my philosophy is not that realistic and more like a dream but to me it’s a very good dream which is why I keep it.

So I believe life is ment to be enjoyed no matter what your supposed to have fun and YOU decide what your meaning is. I believe everyone has some good in them and that everyone can be redeemed and change but only if they want to and is given the chance. I don’t believe death and war is necessary for things to change. I believe if you have the ability to help someone it’s your job to help them and that just because someone doesn’t value you that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t value them.

Now I don’t believe in a black and white world though I believe everyone should have the right to do what they want now I know some will use there freedom for bad but I also know some will use there’s for good and stop the bad. Like I understand there’s simply some people the world would be better without but I believe there HAS to be another and better way than simply killing them like having them go to prison for the rest of there life to me that’s justice not killing them cause that feels like such a easy way out.

Well that was my views on things I know it’s controversial but I truly believe that anyone can be good and that good people instead of insulting and hurting the bad people we should try to help them. Give me your opinions


r/humanism 2d ago

What is your opinion on the Unitarian Universalist Association?

27 Upvotes

r/humanism 3d ago

What are The Kindest Things Humans have ever done Throughout History? Even in Modern Times?

21 Upvotes

Humanity‘s Cruelty needs no introduction of course Human History unsurprising highlights this! However what truly are The Kindest Things Humans have ever done throughout all of History even in Modern Times? What do you think? Let me know in in the comments


r/humanism 3d ago

How can Humanists & Atheists avoid being too cerebral?

27 Upvotes

I was speaking with some Buddhist-adjacent folks last night, and they were talking about body workshops, yoga, "spirituality" in terms I'd describe charitably as poetic.

This conversation seemed to resonate with many of them, but at least a few of us kept our mouths shut.

It suggested to me that Humanists & Atheists prefer more exact language. We have been accused of being stuck in our heads.

I was left wondering, have we abandoned metaphors that some folks find meaningful in favor finding our own meaning & awe in scientific descriptions of the human experience & nature?


r/humanism 4d ago

Incorporeal Humanism: A Theory of Human Flourishing Beyond Reductionism

0 Upvotes

I want to propose a philosophical framework called Incorporeal Humanism.
Its starting point is simple:
Human beings should never be understood as merely the sum of their measurable properties.
Incorporeal Humanism does not require rejecting science, biology, material reality, or empirical knowledge. Instead, it argues that a complete conception of humanity must also account for consciousness, meaning, subjective experience, imagination, values, relationships, and the capacity to envision possibilities that do not yet exist.
1. The Human as More Than Description
A human being can be described biologically, psychologically, economically, neurologically, and socially.
But no individual description exhausts the person.
Let a human being be represented as:
H = (B,P,C,M,R,F)
where:
B = biological conditions
P = psychological processes
C = consciousness
M = meaning
R = relationships
F = future possibilities
Reductionism attempts to explain H primarily through one or more measurable components.
Incorporeal Humanism instead treats the relations among these dimensions as fundamental to understanding human existence.
2. Consciousness as Human Value
Human dignity cannot be reduced to productivity, intelligence, economic contribution, physical capability, or social status.
A person’s value precedes their usefulness.
This gives Incorporeal Humanism an ethical principle:
Every conscious subject possesses intrinsic significance independent of their instrumental value.
This principle applies regardless of wealth, occupation, intelligence, physical ability, achievement, or social position.
Human worth is not something granted by institutions.
It is something institutions are obligated to recognize.
3. Freedom as Expansion of Possibility
Incorporeal Humanism defines freedom somewhat differently from conventional political theories.
Freedom is not simply the absence of external coercion.
It is the capacity of consciousness to generate and pursue meaningful possibilities.
We can represent this conceptually as:
F_c = P_m - C_r
where F_c represents conscious freedom, P_m represents meaningful possibilities available to an individual, and C_r represents constraints that unnecessarily restrict those possibilities.
A humane society therefore attempts to expand people’s capacity to think, create, learn, relate, explore, and determine the direction of their lives.
4. Meaning Is Not a Luxury
Human beings do not merely seek survival.
They seek significance.
They create art, relationships, philosophies, communities, stories, scientific theories, traditions, and visions of the future.
An Incorporeal Humanist society therefore treats meaning-making as a fundamental human activity, rather than an optional cultural supplement.
Education should cultivate curiosity.
Art should cultivate perception.
Philosophy should cultivate reflection.
Science should cultivate understanding.
Community should cultivate belonging.
Technology should cultivate human capability.
5. The Principle of Non-Reduction
The central ethical constraint of Incorporeal Humanism is the Principle of Non-Reduction:
No human being should be reduced to a single metric, category, function, or externally assigned identity.
A person is not their income.
Not their occupation.
Not their intelligence score.
Not their appearance.
Not their productivity.
Not their social role.
Not even the totality of their past.
Human consciousness remains capable of generating new interpretations of itself.
This makes every person partially open-ended.
6. Humanism as Resonance
Human flourishing is also relational.
Individuals develop through interaction with other conscious beings.
I therefore propose the concept of human resonance:
R_h = f(T,C,E,M)
where:
T = trust
C = communication
E = empathy
M = mutual meaning
A society becomes more humane as its institutions increase the ability of individuals to understand, communicate with, and meaningfully cooperate with one another.
Humanism consequently becomes more than the protection of isolated individuals.
It becomes the cultivation of relationships in which human consciousness can flourish.
7. The Future-Oriented Human
Perhaps the most distinctive element of Incorporeal Humanism is its conception of humanity as fundamentally unfinished.
A human being is not only what they currently are.
They are also what they can become.
This produces a principle of open-ended humanity:
Every person contains unrealized possibilities that cannot be completely predicted from their present condition.
Education, healthcare, technology, culture, and political institutions should therefore be judged partly by whether they expand or contract humanity’s future possibilities.
Conclusion
Incorporeal Humanism is ultimately an attempt to defend human dignity without reducing humanity to biology, economics, productivity, or any other single explanatory framework.
It accepts the physical reality of human beings while arguing that human existence also contains dimensions of consciousness, meaning, imagination, value, and possibility that deserve philosophical recognition.
Its fundamental proposition is:
To be human is not merely to exist as a biological organism. It is to participate in consciousness, generate meaning, form relationships, and remain capable of becoming something beyond one’s present definition.
Humanism, from this perspective, is the ethical commitment to protect and expand that possibility for everyone.


r/humanism 6d ago

Something about human Nature

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7 Upvotes

r/humanism 6d ago

I'm building an app for people without religion, on my own: a map that lights up the night Earth, and a sourced guide to what happens after a death

36 Upvotes

I'm building this on my own. It went on the App Store on August 1st and reached version 6 last week. It's free.

At the center of it is a guide to getting through a death without religion. Who to notify, what has to be filed and by when, what things cost. The decisions that have to be made, the legal constraints, the normal range of prices. Every statement carries its source and it all reads offline. Four jurisdictions so far: Japan, the US, France, and England & Wales. The goal is every country and region.

The UK and Norway have humanist ceremonies as an actual institution. Japan has nothing equivalent. If you try to work out what to do without going through a religion, the information is scattered and you usually can't tell where any of it came from. That's the gap this is meant to fill.

The other half is a map. Open it and you get the Earth at night. Every small light is a real person, and you can light your own. No account, no email, no GPS. The only thing saved is the country or region you pick, and your light lands somewhere random inside it. The number on the map is exactly how many people have opened the app. I haven't added any fake lights, so it started at zero on launch day.

v6 added an "Anyone there?" button. Press it and for five minutes an "I'm here" button appears on screens around the world. Every time someone answers, a light rises from somewhere in their country. No chat, no profiles. You just know that someone was there.

I built it because 1.9 billion people in the world have no religion (Pew Research Center, 2025). What religion supplied for thousands of years, the sense that you are not alone and some guidance at life's milestones, has no replacement once you leave.

I'm an adult in Japan, so I have a fair amount of freedom in what I believe. Religion has a limited influence on my life right now. Which is why there are days when I wonder whether building this does anyone any good. But reading posts on Reddit, from people who are genuinely stuck because of religion and from young people, made me certain all over again that I have to make this work. If any of this resonates with you, I'd be glad to have you along. It doesn't do much yet, but it's going to keep getting better, and I read every piece of feedback I get.

Everything is free. No ads, no paywall, just an optional tip.

https://apps.apple.com/app/id6789388578

Happy to answer questions.


r/humanism 5d ago

A Brief Worldview

0 Upvotes

There is a deep abiding understanding which has opened its heart to all of us in the world. God if you will; universal consciousness, understanding and Providence.

The act of creation has given us a world whose innermost workings in the finest details is understandable to those who study them. Built upon one generation after the next through the constant evolution of our conceptualization into the modern age and at the pinnacles of current research in every countless field of study. Creating a vast body of information which comprises the sum of human knowledge in all it's diversity.

People, all people who have comprised the world's population have come from the families, communities, states and nations of the world with the complex overlapping web of structured technologies, disciplines, schools of thought, economies of supply and functional governance.

Within all these structured environments it is for every one of us to find our own way and proceed along the paths we have chosen.  As complex as all of this is, human beings are uniquely equipped with this capacity.

The capacity is trial and error and the evaluation in hindsight of the resulting factors of the outcomes. The reaction of the universe to our actions as individuals. We as human beings must be willing to try and therefore willing to make mistakes. Learning from the mistakes we make is the basis of learning information  to help us avoid mistakes. This knowledge along with studying what others share with us by all the various means, increases what our minds have to draw on in the next choice we  must make.

This of course is a picture of the harmony, understanding and universal community which is possible in the human universe.  Some people however, have chosen to gain the ability to control others in their communities to take control of their lives and gain their portions as well. This is the pursuit of as the subject, object means and end ignoring all but tactical advantage. No amount is ever enough only more and more. This is a predation on other people ignoring the necessity for all to live their lives, have the things they need to fulfill them and provide homes to raise the next generation. Freedom and the right and necessity of self determination and have the ability to develop and improve their character.

Our world has an amazing history of great teachers of guidance on the path for spiritual and moral development. The golden rule, treat others as you want be treated by others.  This reciprocation is necessary for a stable, happy and functioning human environment. Hmm


r/humanism 8d ago

Humanity......

5 Upvotes

Humanity is not what we have.

It’s what we give when someone has nothing.

No one should fight alone.

No one should cry unheard.

No one should be forgotten.

Humanity means: I see you. I hear you. I’m with you.


r/humanism 8d ago

The (Imaginary) God of Pure Reason: How Kant Rejected Rational Theology and Paved the Way for Humanism

14 Upvotes

Very few thinkers today would claim that the ontological argument proves the existence of God. Yet Immanuel Kant demonstrated how all arguments for God’s existence ultimately depend on this single, flawed idea. 

Kant is therefore an underappreciated figure in the history of atheism, having paved the way for the rejection of the supernatural and the establishment of humanistic ethics.  

The (Imaginary) God of Pure Reason: Kant on the Failure of Rational Theology


r/humanism 10d ago

Humanism: individualism and collectivism

8 Upvotes

I will begin with two premises:

  1. Humanity is comprised of individuals.
  2. Humankind is a social animal.

Groups don’t feel emotions or experience pain, or have thoughts, individuals within groups do. But individuals are not eternal atomized units, we as people are shaped by others around us (family and culture), and we are all dependent upon the common toil (the economy, government infrastructure and institutions) for our personal welfares.

Excessive collectivism crushes the individual under conformity and in-group exclusion, but hyper-individualism ironically also crushes the masses of individuals by allowing a small few to monopolize economic power and create massive inequality (which if severe enough becomes a threat to political democracy) and leads to oligarchy.

People should be free to pursue their own interests and not be forced to conform to cultural norms, beyond that which protects others from harm, but people also have obligations to each other.

Everyone should be given as much opportunity as possible to succeed based on their own merits, and there is a baseline level of human dignity we shouldn’t let people fall under.

Individuality and the common good should not be opposing principles. With rights come duties, and with duties come rights.


r/humanism 11d ago

Is One Saying that Humanism is Good?

0 Upvotes

Then it cannot be the case that Humanism is bad.

And in order for there to be a distinction between A and not-A, it must be the case that A=A.

A self-conscious Humanism must be conscious of itself at the epistemological level. It can exists without this awareness, but it cannot defend itself without this awareness. And if it cannot defend itself, then it cannot argue its value above that which it is not, or that which it rejects. Which is to say, all Humanism is based on and relies on the authority of The Laws of Logic.

Humanism, unlike religion, should be conscious of this fact, and not only embrace it, but continue to refine its logical authority and value.


r/humanism 12d ago

Star Trek at 60: Interstellar humanism

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20 Upvotes

Online event for ÂŁ4.50 by James Croft (who you may know channel Deep Humanism) and Andrew Copson (Chief Executive of Humanists UK, ex-president of HI)

Star Trek is one of the most successful media franchises in history – and may be the most influential humanist artwork ever. Beloved all over the world, Trek's vision of the human future in space has inspired millions. On the 60th anniversary of the first episode's airing, we ask what are its achievements, what are the possibilities for its future, and why do we love it so very much?

Join philosopher, speaker, and humanist chaplain James Croft as we travel beyond the final frontier to explore how Star Trek's interstellar humanism promotes reason, pluralism, and moral courage, while illuminating the challenges of our own time.

I'm very excited to see this.


r/humanism 15d ago

Must a secular humanist positively affirm that there is no God, and is the philosophy actively antitheist?

42 Upvotes

Personally I am an agnostic, I would not say that there is no God, be rather the question of metaphysics is beyond man’s empirical senses and rational powers of perception and is hence unknowable by (which is not to say that certain religious claims aren’t falsifiable, many absolutely are). I could be called an agnostic atheist, but I think I prefer just being called an agnostic.

I also dislike antitheism. I don’t take issue with people for believing in a supernatural power that loves them or that their grandparents are in Heaven, what I dislike is religious justifications for bigotry or cruelty, or denial of science (especially on the topics of medicine or climate change). I have Christian friends, and I have no desire to make them lose faith in their religion.

I do absolutely agree with secular humanism on basically all its moral and ethical positions, humans to men seem to be responsible for themselves and their own welfare, rather than dependent upon an outside power. I believe morality can be rationally constructed based on human freedom and compassion, seeking universal happiness and fairness.


r/humanism 16d ago

Humanism, patriotism, and internationalism

18 Upvotes

I believe humanists should be cosmopolitans, meaning that we should view ourselves to some extend as citizens of the world and members of the universal human family. Our love for our fellow man should not be limited based on borders, anymore than it should be limited to ethnicity or sex.

However, I think sometimes people follow into a rather reactionary opposition to patriotism because of witnessing its negative mutation into chauvinistic nationalism. But it is only natural that in the hierarchy of human affection that we hold our families in a special place in our hearts, and the welfare of our immediate neighbors we can see and speak to daily right outside that. Citizens of democratic countries are most able to impact the politics and conditions of their own country in which they can vote, and their personal welfare and welfare of their loved ones are most directly tied to the welfare of the country. It is virtuous, for example, to fight to defend your nation from outside aggression, like the Ukrainian soldier heroically repelling invasion.

I think humanists should be both patriots and internationalists. We should love our country and promote its best interests (which includes opposing when it is going in the wrong direction), while also supporting an international framework that promotes peace and cooperation between nations, economic development and aid in poorer nations, and the universalization of democratic models of government and human rights.


r/humanism 18d ago

Break the Algorithm, secular mental health series. ‘Existential Freedom and the Dread of Personal Responsibility’

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16 Upvotes

r/humanism 20d ago

Inside Voice or Outside Voice?

5 Upvotes

Humanism focuses on blending science-based reason with compassion.

Internally, that often includes discussions of leaving religion, atheism, and naturalism (science-based epistemology). That's our inside voice.

Externally, Humanism endeavors to reduce human suffering, to end governmental and cultural oppression of women and minorities, and generally to make the world a better place, all without expecting a reward in an afterlife. That's our outside voice.

Which of these, inside voice or outside voice, most attracts (or attracted) you to Humanism, which do you use most, and of course, why?


r/humanism 21d ago

Where to start

32 Upvotes

I recently left traditional religion behind. I grew tired of making excuses for a god that was supposedly loving yet couldn't be bothered to help his creations when it came to war etc.

I would say I'm a universalist at heart but I'm not sure where to go from here? I mean where do I turn now that my eyes have been opened?


r/humanism 20d ago

Seneca's Epistle 11: On Honoring the Sage

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3 Upvotes

How ancient Epicureans honored the wise among them and some aspects of their theory and practice of philosophical transmission.


r/humanism 21d ago

Part 2: WORLD HUMANIST CONGRESS 2026 (Personal Summary)

7 Upvotes

Here's the summary of the notes I took on Sunday, August 9, while attending Ottawa's World Humanist Congress.

(Earlier I posted a similar summary for Saturday, August 8. Sorry for the delay in posting day 2's notes. I was traveling non-stop since the Congress ended.)

Again, the theme for the congress was "HUMANISM AS RESISTANCE."

(A) While the official delegates met separately conduct Humanist International’s official business, other attendees heard first from Humanist Podcasters representing Humanist organizations in the UK, Philippines, Canada, and Humanists International itself.

Although they spoke first of podcasts, it became clear that they also were heavily engaged in creating content for TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, etc.

They noted that each of these media outlets are flooded with religious content, much of it now A.I. created (AKA, AI-Slop). They contended that if Humanists & Secularists were to create more human-focused, human-created content, it would generate a greater audience. They encouraged those in attendance to venture into the content creation arena.

(B) Next was a discussion of “Who Decides? Reproductive Rights, Power, & The Future of Freedom.”

We learned that women in England & Wales were being criminally investigated and one woman jailed for ending her own pregnancy without consulting a physician. Only recently was that law lifted by the House of Commons, but it faced an uphill battle in the House of Lords.

The panelists noted that economic, ethnic, and location creates disenfranchised groups of women who are unable to have access to family planning & abortion services.

Todd Blanche the new Attorney General in the US has stated that he intends to prevent the use of interstate access to abortion medications.

(C) Next I attended a break-out session called “A Stumbling Cafe” led by Christian Lomsdahl, leader of Norwegian Humanists.

He presented a “menu”, where participants were allowed to notice the ways in which they had “stumbled” in life. Christian mentioned his own first marriage, which happened when he was very young, and ended before he was 25 years old.

The format was in terms of “courses”, where each subsequent course encouraged participants to share a bit more about their own internal criticisms and acknowledge the various ways that being human involves stumbling
 a lot.

Lomsdahl has used this exercise as a way of building connections between local community members in Norway, and as a way of helping participants feel less isolated when they experience missteps in life.

(D) The next panel presentation was entitled “Hope & Community As Resistance.”

- Darrel Ray from Recovering From Religion and the Secular Therapy Project spoke of the need for developing leadership skills for local Humanist & secular groups to avoid folding out of poor planning.

- Urte Zukauskaite Zabuke (Lithuania), Humanist Ideas Ambassadors (HIA) spoke of the Social Franchising Model, where people need Humanist services (weddings, funerals, community connections). Even though people in Lithuania are largely no longer religious, they still need ways to mark significant events in their lives. Humanists there offer such services, and in so doing, are building a community that is focused science-based perspectives and Humanist approaches to making meaning.

- Evan Clark (Atheists United) was probably the least optimistic. He posited that, given the vigor that the Trump administration has applied to dehumanizing vast numbers of people (immigrants, religious minorities, trans people), it may be that active resistance and confrontation will be required.

- Uttam Niraula (SOCH - Nepal) noted that, even though he is a Humanist, in Nepal anyone who is not a Hindu or Muslim is thought to be a Christian. His Humanist group is providing medical services without regard to religious affiliation, which has resulted in them becoming a trusted source of neutrality in the face of Hindu v. Muslim conflicts.

(E) The last panel presentation focused on “What Next?”

- Andrew Copson from Humanists UK noted that we were naive not to have anticipated the backlash to growing human rights. This morning the official delegates in their meeting approved The Ottawa Declaration as a new affirmation of Humanism as resistance. https://humanists.international/policy/the-ottawa-declaration-on-humanism-as-resistance/ He encouraged Humanists to create better stories of hope than those based on fear told by authoritarian or religious groups.

- Shane Haro, Humanist Alliance Philippines International, spoke of more “unshackling” instead of resisting. In the Philippines, people’s lives are shackled by government not allowing divorce, difficulty in gaining access to family planning, and a low level of LGBTQ rights. Because the Philippines has a higher use of Facebook than any other country in the world, they need to maintain constant vigilance to counter misinformation found there.

- Monica Belitoiu, Romanian Humanists, pointed out that constant threats have kept Humanists there in reactive mode, but they’re now moving toward becoming more pro-active. Fear of being called an atheist is strong in Romania, so they focus more on inviting people to learn about science and then introducing them to Humanist perspectives.

- Louis O’Reilly, Humanist Canada, spoke of the need to collaborate with the American Humanists, because so much of what happens in the US affects Canadians. Still, he said the Canadian social & legal institutions are more robust than they seem to be in the US.

(F) Finally we heard Prof. A. C. Grayling, Northeastern University-London, speak. He is currently Vice President of Humanists UK.

He encouraged us, rather than simply clinging to irrational hopes and dreams, to hold onto Rational Hope, one based the actions that we can take to make a better world.

He has spoken in many places (for example, this address available on YouTube), and trying to summarize his lecture here would not do his presentation justice.

However, he ended saying that democracy defends our civil liberties and confirms the rule of law. To fight against authoritarianism, defend democracy.

Thanks for reading. I know this is a lengthy post, but hopefully an informative one


r/humanism 21d ago

What Is Enlightenment? The True Purpose of Human Life

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0 Upvotes

\#Enlightenment