One of the best philosophies of life is humanism. It is
an attitude to the world that is centred on human experiences, thoughts and
hopes. Our rational faculty is the foundation of this philosophy. Our reason can
tell us clearly why certain actions are good and others are bad. Our reason can
tell us why we should choose the good and avoid the bad and hence can be the
solid foundation of our morality. Our moral code does not require other
trappings like gods and religions.
Humanism asserts that we have the right and responsibility
to give meaning and shape to our lives. This noble philosophy aims to build a
more humane society through an ethic based on human and natural values in the
spirit of reason and free enquiry.
The American Humanist Association defines humanism as “a
progressive philosophy of life that, without theism or other supernatural
beliefs, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of
personal fulfilment that aspire to the greater good.” It is informed by
science, inspired by art, and motivated by compassion.
Every word in the above definition deserves attention.
We can and we should live ethical lives. Religions also tell you
the same thing. But religions posit eternal reward or punishment as the
ultimate motive which apparently does not convince most believers. We are asked
to be good in order to merit heaven and avoid evil in order to escape hell. Or
something similar to that. It may be rebirth instead of heaven and hell. Whatever
it is, religion’s offerings lie somewhere out there, far away in the realms of
faith. The world has not become any better a place for all that. Humanism tells
us that the benefits of being good and doing good lie here itself. By being
good and doing good, we create a better world here itself. Heaven can be here
itself; there is no need to wait for death.
Humanism does not accept truths from books merely
because they claim to be divine or inspired. Humanism wants reasons. It relies
on reason and science for proofs. Not everything can be proved in science labs.
Why we should choose good and avoid evil, for example, cannot be proved using
test tubes and chemicals. But our reason can tell us clearly why we should do
that. But there are a lot of other situations where science can assist us to separate
truth from falsehood.
Art inspires us and teaches the finest lessons of
life. Humanism relies heavily on art for the attainment of nobility while most
ordinary mortals rely on religions and gods. Human history shows us that gods
and religions have not been able to create a humane world so far though they
have been with us for millennia now. If we keep on doing the same thing, we
will keep getting the same result, as Einstein said. If we continue to place
our trust in gods and religions, we will keep getting more crusades, jihads, and
other holy wars. Just think of the millions of lives extinguished brutally in
the name of gods and creeds. Humanism never snuffs out lives for the sake of
entities supposedly living on some other planet or somewhere in the outer
space.
Humanism is all about your dignity and liberty. You are
worthy of respect just because you are who you are and not because some god
created you in his image. You have the freedom to think and act so long as you
don’t encroach on the freedom of the next person. You have the freedom to
create something new using your imagination and other aesthetic faculties. You
have the opportunity to create a better world.
Think rather than feel, humanism tells us. Have
well-informed thoughts. That is what can make the world a better place.
Appreciate the arts, literature, music, crafts and
other such creative outputs of human beings. They enrich our lives.
Take responsibility for your own life by seeking new
knowledge and exploring new options.
Humanism is a quest for more truths and a better
world.
PS. This is powered by #BlogchatterA2Z
Read the previous parts of this series below:
A: Absurdity
D: Delusions
Tomorrow: Intelligence is not enough
A beautiful logic based concept that teaches us to appreciate the basic values in our lives. Let's make this world a better place by taking charge of our lives and accepting the responsibility of our actions.
ReplyDeleteHumanism is charming for those who prefer reason to emotion.
DeleteHave well-informed thoughts. That is what can make the world a better place. You said it Sir. A quest for truth should always remain. Blindly believing whatever is told proves to be self-destructive sooner or later.
ReplyDeleteBut aren't we astounded by the fan-following got by blind beliefs?
DeleteSounds so interesting!
ReplyDeleteIt is.
DeleteI liked the logic behind this concept of Humanisim. Ofcourse your conclusion is one thing that would stay with me for a while definitely. Both the following sentences have such a profound meaning in them.
ReplyDeleteTake responsibility for your own life by seeking new knowledge and exploring new options.
Humanism is a quest for more truths and a better world
a beautiful concept if understood correctly i believe. Does it differ from the renaissance humanism which was the intellectual movement in middle ages?
ReplyDeletedeepika sharma
It's the same as Renaissance humanism.
DeleteWhile the East has given concepts like Compassion and Vasudhaiba Kutumbakam (All the word is one family), the the west has given beautiful concepts like humanism. All these are beautiful concepts and can be applied for common good of the whole world. At the same time every nation whether big or small wants to dominate over the whole world. Then there are corporate interests. In spite of all that maybe because there are people who are compassionate and believe in humanism, the world is still a livable place.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, because of that minority of adherents to humane values the world remains a bearable place.
Delete