Initially a humanist was simply a student or teacher of Latin and Latin literature and only later in the twentieth-century humanism was interpreted as a new philosophical outlook which encompassed human dignity and potential, and the place of mankind in nature.Humanism, as a general term, is a philosophy of life inspired by humanity and guided by reason. According to the Collins Concise Dictionary, humanism is “the rejection of religion in favor of the advancement of humanity by its own efforts.”

Humanist Beliefs

• Humanists make sense of the world using reason, experience and shared human values.
• Humanists are very concerned about human rights and equal opportunities for all.
• Humanists see no convincing evidence for gods, the supernatural, or life after death.
• Humanists believe that excellent codes of behavior and morality can be created through reason and that moral values are properly founded on human empathy and scientific understanding.
• Humanists believe that humans created the Gods and Goddesses in their own image.
• Humanists believe we must live this life on the basis that it is the only life we’ll have - that, therefore, we must make the most of it for ourselves, each other, and our world.
• Humanists tend to be at the liberal end of the spectrum on controversial topics as abortion access; equal rights for gays, lesbians and bisexuals, physician assisted suicide, separation of church and state, etc.

Types of Humanism

• Christian Humanism is philosophy based on Christian beliefs about the nature of God. It advocates people’s fulfillment by personal effort.
• Secular Humanism. A non-religious based philosophy that promotes humanity as the measure of all things. Its roots are in the rationalism of the 18th Century and the free thought movement of the 19th Century.
• Literary Humanism. It is concerned with the pursuits of the humanities (languages, literature, philosophy, history, etc.)
• Modern Humanism is a generic term encompassing both Religious and Secular Humanism.
• Philosophical Humanism. Philosophy centered upon the needs and interests of people.
• Renaissance Humanism. This is a movement started in Florence (Italy) in the last decades of the 14th century; it renewed an interest in classical studies and promoted the concept that truth could be discovered by human effort.
• Cultural Humanism is a concept stating that knowledge can be obtained through rational thought and experimentation. It has its roots in ancient Greece and Rome. It is the major underpinning of all sciences today.
• Religious Humanism. A concept similar to secular humanism, except that it is practiced in a religious setting with fellowship and rituals.

Humanist philosophies have arisen separately in many different cultures over many thousands of years.

Whether or not the term humanism is used in these cultures, millions of Americans and hundreds of millions of people around the globe agree with the humanist philosophies of life.

Most of the self improvement or personal growth blogs and websites base some of their teachings on humanist philosophies.

If you're new here and have found useful information, please subscribe to my RSS feed or sign up for free Email updates. There are daily updates and you should stay tuned. Thanks for visiting!