learning about Humanism
I took a survey on belief systems of the world and one of the systems that came up on my list was Humanism. I had come across the term "humanism" before. Dad used to get a newsletter from the Palo Alto/Stanford University(?) chapter, which I believe he did not read. I, unfortunately, only glanced at some of the covers, so I didn't find out what it was all about. John W. also mentioned something about Humanists too. His encounter with the Humanists in Palo Alto was negative, as I recall. John found them close-minded when they were supposed to be open-minded. Ah, but I know that John also has a tendency to get in people's faces and cause confrontations almost as a habit...
I visited the American Humanist Association website to learn more. Most of the ideas made sense to me, although I felt that Humanism concentrates on humans too much (but I guess that's why they're called humanists). Evolution vs Creationism is discussed too, something I have a strong interest in. It's been awhile since I've delved into philosophy (of life?) readings, so it was fun.
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From the (rather wordy) conclusion of the "Humanist Manifesto II":
"The world cannot wait for a reconciliation of competing political or economic systems to solve its problems. These are the times for men and women of goodwill to further the building of a peaceful and prosperous world. We urge that parochial loyalties and inflexible moral and religious ideologies be transcended. We urge recognition of the common humanity of all people. We further urge the use of reason and compassion to produce the kind of world we want -- a world in which peace, prosperity, freedom, and happiness are widely shared. Let us not abandon that vision in despair or cowardice. We are responsible for what we are or will be. Let us work together for a humane world by means commensurate with humane ends. Destructive ideological differences among communism, capitalism, socialism, conservatism, liberalism, and radicalism should be overcome. Let us call for an end to terror and hatred. We will survive and prosper only in a world of shared humane values. We can initiate new directions for humankind; ancient rivalries can be superseded by broad-based cooperative efforts. The commitment to tolerance, understanding, and peaceful negotiation does not necessitate acquiescence to the status quo nor the damming up of dynamic and revolutionary forces. The true revolution is occurring and can continue in countless nonviolent adjustments. But this entails the willingness to step forward onto new and expanding plateaus. At the present juncture of history, commitment to all humankind is the highest commitment of which we are capable; it transcends the narrow allegiances of church, state, party, class, or race in moving toward a wider vision of human potentiality. What more daring a goal for humankind than for each person to become, in ideal as well as practice, a citizen of a world community. It is a classical vision; we can now give it new vitality. Humanism thus interpreted is a moral force that has time on its side. We believe that humankind has the potential, intelligence, goodwill, and cooperative skill to implement this commitment in the decades ahead."
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Some quotes:
"Humanists recognize that it is only when people feel free to think for themselves, using reason as their guide, that they are best capable of developing values that succeed in satisfying human needs and serving human interests."
--ISAAC ASIMOV - scientist, author, and past president of the American Humanist Association.
"It seems to me that the idea of a personal God is an anthropological concept which I cannot take seriously. I also cannot imagine some will or goal outside the human sphere.... Science has been charged with undermining morality, but the charge is unjust. A man's ethical behavior should be based effectually on sympathy, education, and social ties and needs; no religious basis is necessary. Man would indeed be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward after death."
--ALBERT EINSTEIN - scientist, Nobel Prizewinner in physics, originator of the theory of relativity.
"When we speak of equality, of women and men, of Blacks and Whites, of all the world's people, we are talking about humanism."
--GLORIA STEINEM - founder of Ms.magazine, Humanist Pioneer Awardee.
"Humanism is a philosophy of joyous service for the greater good of all humanity, of application of new ideas of scientific progress for the benefit of all."
--LINUS PAULING - scientist, Humanist of the Year in 1961, Nobel Prize in chemistry in 1954, Nobel Peace Prize in 1962.
I visited the American Humanist Association website to learn more. Most of the ideas made sense to me, although I felt that Humanism concentrates on humans too much (but I guess that's why they're called humanists). Evolution vs Creationism is discussed too, something I have a strong interest in. It's been awhile since I've delved into philosophy (of life?) readings, so it was fun.
*************************************
From the (rather wordy) conclusion of the "Humanist Manifesto II":
"The world cannot wait for a reconciliation of competing political or economic systems to solve its problems. These are the times for men and women of goodwill to further the building of a peaceful and prosperous world. We urge that parochial loyalties and inflexible moral and religious ideologies be transcended. We urge recognition of the common humanity of all people. We further urge the use of reason and compassion to produce the kind of world we want -- a world in which peace, prosperity, freedom, and happiness are widely shared. Let us not abandon that vision in despair or cowardice. We are responsible for what we are or will be. Let us work together for a humane world by means commensurate with humane ends. Destructive ideological differences among communism, capitalism, socialism, conservatism, liberalism, and radicalism should be overcome. Let us call for an end to terror and hatred. We will survive and prosper only in a world of shared humane values. We can initiate new directions for humankind; ancient rivalries can be superseded by broad-based cooperative efforts. The commitment to tolerance, understanding, and peaceful negotiation does not necessitate acquiescence to the status quo nor the damming up of dynamic and revolutionary forces. The true revolution is occurring and can continue in countless nonviolent adjustments. But this entails the willingness to step forward onto new and expanding plateaus. At the present juncture of history, commitment to all humankind is the highest commitment of which we are capable; it transcends the narrow allegiances of church, state, party, class, or race in moving toward a wider vision of human potentiality. What more daring a goal for humankind than for each person to become, in ideal as well as practice, a citizen of a world community. It is a classical vision; we can now give it new vitality. Humanism thus interpreted is a moral force that has time on its side. We believe that humankind has the potential, intelligence, goodwill, and cooperative skill to implement this commitment in the decades ahead."
****************************************
Some quotes:
"Humanists recognize that it is only when people feel free to think for themselves, using reason as their guide, that they are best capable of developing values that succeed in satisfying human needs and serving human interests."
--ISAAC ASIMOV - scientist, author, and past president of the American Humanist Association.
"It seems to me that the idea of a personal God is an anthropological concept which I cannot take seriously. I also cannot imagine some will or goal outside the human sphere.... Science has been charged with undermining morality, but the charge is unjust. A man's ethical behavior should be based effectually on sympathy, education, and social ties and needs; no religious basis is necessary. Man would indeed be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward after death."
--ALBERT EINSTEIN - scientist, Nobel Prizewinner in physics, originator of the theory of relativity.
"When we speak of equality, of women and men, of Blacks and Whites, of all the world's people, we are talking about humanism."
--GLORIA STEINEM - founder of Ms.magazine, Humanist Pioneer Awardee.
"Humanism is a philosophy of joyous service for the greater good of all humanity, of application of new ideas of scientific progress for the benefit of all."
--LINUS PAULING - scientist, Humanist of the Year in 1961, Nobel Prize in chemistry in 1954, Nobel Peace Prize in 1962.