Humanist Canada Describes Humanism Like This: (General)

by Jeff, Sunday, March 15, 2009, 13:20 @ Jeff

What is Humanism?

Humanism is a dynamic and religion-free way of life that affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical and meaningful lives, aspiring to the greater good of humanity. Humanists are guided by reason and scientific inquiry, inspired by music and art, and motivated by ethics, compassion and fairness.

The earliest written record of Humanist philosophy originated in ancient Greece thousands of years ago. This philosophy turned to human beings rather than gods to solve human problems. Democritus (460-351 BCE), a progressive thinker, atomic theorist, and Greek philosopher, asserted that human beings can set higher standards of personal integrity and social responsibility by guiding their lives by rational, moral, fair and compassionate means, rather than invoking imaginary or mystical sanctions.

Humanists support secular and scientific approaches to addressing the wide range of issues important to us all. This is why Humanists advocate keeping government and religion separate. Secular laws are the fairest and most realistic way that people of all faiths and philosophies can be considered as truly equal under the law.