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Humanism is a progressive
philosophy of life that, without supernaturalism, affirms our ability and responsibility
to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment that aspire to the greater good
of humanity.
The lifestance of Humanism—guided by
reason, inspired by compassion, and informed by experience—encourages us to
live life well and fully. It evolved through the ages and continues to develop
through the efforts of thoughtful people who recognize that values and ideals,
however carefully wrought, are subject to change as our knowledge and understandings
advance.
This document is part of an ongoing effort
to manifest in clear and positive terms the conceptual boundaries of Humanism,
not what we must believe but a consensus of what we do believe. It is in this
sense that we affirm the following:
Knowledge of the world is derived by
observation, experimentation, and rational analysis. Humanists find that science is the best
method for determining this knowledge as well as for solving problems and developing
beneficial technologies. We also recognize the value of new departures in thought,
the arts, and inner experience—each subject to analysis by critical intelligence.
Humans are an integral part of nature,
the result of unguided evolutionary change. Humanists recognize nature as self-existing. We accept
our life as all and enough, distinguishing things as they are from things as
we might wish or imagine them to be. We welcome the challenges of the future,
and are drawn to and undaunted by the yet to be known.
Ethical values are derived from human
need and interest as tested by experience. Humanists ground values in human welfare shaped by human
circumstances, interests, and concerns and extended to the global ecosystem
and beyond. We are committed to treating each person as having inherent worth
and dignity, and to making informed choices in a context of freedom consonant
with responsibility. |
Life’s fulfillment emerges from individual participation in the service
of humane ideals. We aim for our fullest possible development and animate our lives
with a deep sense of purpose, finding wonder and awe in the joys and beauties
of human existence, its challenges and tragedies, and even in the inevitability
and finality of death. Humanists rely on the rich heritage of human culture
and the lifestance of Humanism to provide comfort in times of want and encouragement
in times of plenty.
Humans are social by nature and find
meaning in relationships. Humanists long for and strive toward a world of mutual care and concern,
free of cruelty and its consequences, where differences are resolved cooperatively
without resorting to violence. The joining of individuality with interdependence
enriches our lives, encourages us to enrich the lives of others, and inspires
hope of attaining peace, justice, and opportunity for all.
Working to benefit society maximizes individual happiness. Progressive cultures
have worked to free humanity from the brutalities of mere survival and to reduce
suffering, improve society, and develop global community. We seek to minimize
the inequities of circumstance and ability, and we support a just distribution
of nature’s resources and the fruits of human effort so that as many as possible
can enjoy a good life.
Humanists are concerned for the well being of all, are committed
to diversity, and respect those of differing yet humane views. We work to uphold
the equal enjoyment of human rights and civil liberties in an open, secular
society and maintain it is a civic duty to participate in the democratic process
and a planetary duty to protect nature’s integrity, diversity, and beauty in
a secure, sustainable manner.
Thus engaged in the flow of life, we aspire to this vision with the informed
conviction that humanity has the ability to progress toward its highest ideals.
The responsibility for our lives and the kind of world in which we live is ours
and ours alone.
* Humanist Manifesto is a trademark of the American Humanist Association—© 2003 American Humanist Association |
