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What I Believe: Humanist ideas and philosophies to live by
Discover the rich diversity of non-religious thought today in this inspiring collection of interviews with over thirty different humanists in the public eye, including Stephen Fry, Sandi Toksvig and Alice Roberts. Humanists UK Chief Executive Andrew Copson speaks to actors, authors, activists and more to find out what they believe and the values, convictions and opinions they live by.
Inspired by the 'What I Believe' essays of two humanist greats - the philosopher Bertrand Russell and the novelist E M Forster - this book opens a window to different humanist perspectives of today. The humanist view of life is progressive and dynamic. All ideas, values, and beliefs are open to question and in this book you will find inspiration to shape your own worldview.
Featuring interviews with Jim Al-Khalili, Joan Bakewell, Sarah Bakewell, Sian Berry, Susan Blackmore, Helen Czerski, Alf Dubs, Janet Ellis, Stephen Fry, Rebecca Goldstein, A C Grayling, Natalie Haynes, Leo Igwe, Mike Little, Ian McEwan, Eddie Marsan, S I Martin, Tim Minchin, Diane Munday, Christina Patterson, Hannah Peel, Kate Pickett, Steven Pinker, Nichola Raihani, Alice Roberts, Paul Sinha, Dan Snow, Sandi Toksvig, Frank Turner, Nigel Warburton and Richard Wiseman.
Inspired by the 'What I Believe' essays of two humanist greats - the philosopher Bertrand Russell and the novelist E M Forster - this book opens a window to different humanist perspectives of today. The humanist view of life is progressive and dynamic. All ideas, values, and beliefs are open to question and in this book you will find inspiration to shape your own worldview.
Featuring interviews with Jim Al-Khalili, Joan Bakewell, Sarah Bakewell, Sian Berry, Susan Blackmore, Helen Czerski, Alf Dubs, Janet Ellis, Stephen Fry, Rebecca Goldstein, A C Grayling, Natalie Haynes, Leo Igwe, Mike Little, Ian McEwan, Eddie Marsan, S I Martin, Tim Minchin, Diane Munday, Christina Patterson, Hannah Peel, Kate Pickett, Steven Pinker, Nichola Raihani, Alice Roberts, Paul Sinha, Dan Snow, Sandi Toksvig, Frank Turner, Nigel Warburton and Richard Wiseman.
- GenresPhilosophyNonfiction
321 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2024
25 people are currently reading
85 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