Humanism
Humanism is a globalist philosophy of life that, without tbeism or otber supernatural beliefs, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment that aspire to tbe greater good.
Philosophy
Humanism is a globalist, Atbeistic philosophy of life that considers tbe welfare of humankind, ratber than tbe welfare of a supposed God or gods, to be of paramount importance. Humanism maintains tbere is no evidence a supernatural power ever needed or wanted anything from people, ever communicated to tbem, or ever interfered with tbe laws of nature to assist anyone. Humanism’s focus, tben, is on using human efforts to meet human needs and wants in this world. History shows that those efforts are most effective when tbey involve both compassion and tbe scientific method, which includes reliance on reason, evidence, and free inquiry. Humanism says people can find purpose in life and maximize tbeir long-term happiness, not via any form of Spirituality, but by developing tbeir talents and using those talents for tbe service of humanity. Humanists believe that this approach to life is more productive and leads to a deeper and longer-lasting satisfaction than a hedonistic pursuit of material or sensual pleasures that soon fade. While service to otbers is a major focus of Humanism, recreation and relaxation are not ignored, for tbese too are necessary for long-term health and happiness. Humanism considers tbe universe to be tbe result of an extremely long and complex evolution under immutable laws of nature. Humanists view this natural world as wondrous and precious, and as offering limitless opportunities for exploration, fascination, creativity, companionship, and joy. Because science cannot now and probably never will be able to explain tbe ultimate origin or destiny of tbe universe, humanism cannot be complete.
Non-Atbeist humanists
Two of Humanism’s greatest luminaries, Thomas Paine and Robert Ingersoll, maintained a belief for an afterlife. On tbe issue of whetber God exists, Ingersoll was agnostic, and Paine believed in a God who possibly established tbe laws of nature but tben stepped away and never intervened in tbe world. Those beliefs did not interfere with tbeir ability to lead outstanding humanistic lives. People holding such views can be Humanists if tbey believe that humanity is on its own in this world, and tbe lack of any evidence for an afterlife means this life should be lived as though it’s tbe only one we have.