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What I Believe: Humanist ideas and philosophies to live by
In this collection of some of the most popular episodes of the WHAT I BELIEVE podcast, Humanists UK Chief Executive Andrew Copson speaks to humanists in the public eye about what they believe, to understand more about their worldview and the values, convictions, and opinions they live by.
Inspired by the 'What I Believe' essays of two humanist greats, philosopher Bertrand Russell and the novelist E M Forster, this book shines a light on different humanist perspectives, encouraging you to think about their own philosophies for living.
Featuring interviews Tim Minchin, Alice Roberts, Robin Ince, Jim Al-Khalili, Joan Bakewell, David Baddiel, Natalie Haynes, Steven Pinker, Carol Smillie, Ian McEwan, Paul Sinha, Rebecca Goldstein, Frank Turner and more
Inspired by the 'What I Believe' essays of two humanist greats, philosopher Bertrand Russell and the novelist E M Forster, this book shines a light on different humanist perspectives, encouraging you to think about their own philosophies for living.
Featuring interviews Tim Minchin, Alice Roberts, Robin Ince, Jim Al-Khalili, Joan Bakewell, David Baddiel, Natalie Haynes, Steven Pinker, Carol Smillie, Ian McEwan, Paul Sinha, Rebecca Goldstein, Frank Turner and more
- GenresPhilosophyNonfiction
336 pages, Hardcover
Published March 18, 2025
24 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 7, 2025
There are a few gems here: Ian McEwan for example. But some are a bit trite and thin. Not quite what I was hoping for regarding the argument for humanism. Maybe go straight to the heart of the matter and read Bertrand Russell's 1925 essay.
December 15, 2024
Subtitled ‘Humanist Ideas and Philosophies to Live By’, this collection of thoughts from thirty-one intelligent, experienced, and fascinating people has been compiled from Andrew Copson’s podcasts with over sixty such individuals between 2020 and 2024. It was initially inspired by essays from Bertrand Russell in 1925 and E.M. Forster in 1938, and a separate collection of essays entitled ‘I Believe’ published by George Allen & Unwin in 1940.
The book is presented in three sections, ‘Reason, science and truth’, ‘Love, respect and empathy’, and ‘Freedom, equality and justice’. Many of the authors will be known to a lot of readers from their output in various capacities in life and work.
The essays take the form of conversations, making them easy to read. All are written from a Humanist point of view, which means you’ll find, rational, truthful, tolerant, and scientific opinions expressed here, a real and delightful alternative to the often abusive, irrational, boastful and intolerant ideas that seem to rule online social media these days.
The book is, and I make no excuse for the cliché, a breath of fresh air. It explains why these intelligent, informed, reasonable and thoughtful people believe what they believe. How they came to their conclusions. How they view the world and its people.
These are well-presented measured thoughts, views, and opinions of people who have thoroughly examined their beliefs. So unlike the ill-considered and often spurious outbursts of those commentators so desperate to express their anger, prejudice, opinions and views that they say, or more often shout, the first words that occur to them.
These essays from Humanists reflect the dynamic and progressive outlook of that organisation where all ideas, values and beliefs are, in common with science, open to question and revision.
The book is presented in three sections, ‘Reason, science and truth’, ‘Love, respect and empathy’, and ‘Freedom, equality and justice’. Many of the authors will be known to a lot of readers from their output in various capacities in life and work.
The essays take the form of conversations, making them easy to read. All are written from a Humanist point of view, which means you’ll find, rational, truthful, tolerant, and scientific opinions expressed here, a real and delightful alternative to the often abusive, irrational, boastful and intolerant ideas that seem to rule online social media these days.
The book is, and I make no excuse for the cliché, a breath of fresh air. It explains why these intelligent, informed, reasonable and thoughtful people believe what they believe. How they came to their conclusions. How they view the world and its people.
These are well-presented measured thoughts, views, and opinions of people who have thoroughly examined their beliefs. So unlike the ill-considered and often spurious outbursts of those commentators so desperate to express their anger, prejudice, opinions and views that they say, or more often shout, the first words that occur to them.
These essays from Humanists reflect the dynamic and progressive outlook of that organisation where all ideas, values and beliefs are, in common with science, open to question and revision.
November 14, 2024
Over the past few years I’ve done a ‘deep dive’ into my own values and beliefs. I strongly believe we are all unique and are shaped by our very different lived experiences. I found it fascinating to hear from 30+ humanists and learn about their views and values. This book is great material for helping you think more broadly about your own values in today’s world.
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April 25, 2025Only read a few from my favorite people but the ones I did read needed a lot of editing done to them. In the Tim Minchin one a line from the poem Storm is incorrect which is sad.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews