Humanism: An Introduction

by Jim Herrick, Laurie Taylor (Preface by)

Humanism is a philosophy that emphasizes the value of human life in all its creative potential within a secular context. Humanism is skeptical of religious beliefs and relies on science as the basis for understanding the universe. Although humanism has become most fully developed in the West, its origins lie throughout the world, and this perspective is shared by people from many different cultural, ethnic and racial backgrounds.In this succinct, informative, and enlightening introduction to humanism, Jim Herrick, a leading humanist advocate in Great Britain, provides a very readable account of the guiding principles, history, and practice of humanism in today's world. Herrick surveys the tradition of humanism as it developed over many centuries, its skepticism toward belief in God and an afterlife, humanist values and arguments for morality outside of a religious framework, its attitude of tolerance toward different lifestyles and belief systems, its endorsement of democratic political principles, its strong ties to science, its evaluation of the arts as an exploration of human potential, and its concern for environmental preservation and the long-term sustainability of the earth.In conclusion, Herrick briefly describes the various humanist organizations throughout the world; particular causes championed by humanists (women's rights, racial and sexual equality, freedom of speech and information, and education, among others); and the future of humanism.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Religion, Atheism

105 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Jim Herrick was an atheist and the author of works on the history of humanism, having written Vision and Realism, a Hundred Years of the Freethinker (1982); Against The Faith (1985), essays on deists, skeptics, and Atheists; and A Humanist Anthology (1995).
Herrick was on the editorial board of International Humanist and from 1993 to 1998 was editor of its successor, International Humanist News, which is the journal of the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU).

In addition, he was a former editor of The Free Thinker (1977—1981) and vice president of the National Secular Society.
Herrick also was editor of New Humanist, the journal of the Rationalist Press Association, of which he is a member of the Board of Directors.

“Bible-smashing is tedious to people who have smashed their Bibles,” Herrick quotes George Bernard Shaw in a lucid article, “The Freethinker Yesterday and Today” (Freethinker, June 1994). But ever since G. W. Foote’s first issue of the journal in 1881, Herrick notes that it has remained imperative to continue attacking the evangelicals’ “spread of pernicious myths and unnecessary hardship for children and parents.” Unfortunately, he adds, early freethinkers if they were to look at the current situation “would be surprised that religion has proved so persistent in the face of so many intellectual arguments against it. This shows that it is not rational thought that keeps the churches alive but emotion, habit, and the desire for power.” In 1996, speaking at the fourth World Atheist Conference held in Vijayawada, India, Herrick noted that no one has ever been injured by the truth. Self-deception is what actually injures humankind. “We must nurture the positive side of our atheistic existence,” he said, adding that

Extremist religion and fundamentalism, whether from the Christian Moral Right or from Islam, is growing in the world. We must on no account demonise the Muslims. I have met tolerant and civilised Muslims, the Sufi tradition of art and mysticism is fine, and many artistic endeavours are superb. We must keep in dialogue and encourage the liberals.

In India, Herrick attended the Rationalist Conference held in 1996, at which fire-walking demonstrations were held to debunk the godmen who claim they have supernatural powers. He spoke on “Freedom of Speech as a Universal Human Right.” Also in 1996, he participated in the Humanist World Congress in Mexico City. Here, he received a distinguished service award for his four years’ editorship of International Humanist News.

In 1998 he spoke at the IHEU’s congress in Mumbai. Herrick, one of the most recognized humanists around the world, resigned as the IHEU’s newsletter editor but remains active in international rationalist and humanist affairs. He signed Humanist Manifesto 2000 but lamented that “it has a far too rosy view of human nature,” “too much is left to the market economy,” and “the potential for human conflict is underestimated. . . . Nevertheless, perhaps irrationally, humanists of goodwill cannot allow these reservations to dampen the power of human effort and human hope.”

More: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Herrick

Reviews

[mads · Rating 4 out of 5]

concise but man does he stick to like 5 countries :) nice intro to humanism!!

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admit that I skipped around a little bit in this one, mostly because the damn font is so small. This is a very comprehensive overview of Humanism in all its glory: its history, its philosophy, its views of things like religion and politics and science and the arts, etc. While it may look like a short book (100 pages or so), it is quite densely packed with information. I liked it a lot. As I have gotten older, and perhaps wiser, I have found that a humanistic worldview is helpful in trying to figure out life's big questions. Add a dash of Buddhist practice, a pinch of Pantheism, and a good sense of humor and we are on our way to...wherever it is we are going.

This is my first book review written on my iPad's touchscreen. How kids manage to write this way I will never know. Now I am writing with two thumbs, which is actually easier. Oh brave new world...

[Shishir · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brief but thorough Humanist point of view. Humans are social creatures and in charge of their own destiny; Believing in freedom from and of Religion. Pragmatic and rational point of view for benefit of all humankind - Be pluralistic Promoting - Open just and democratic society encouraged with greater spread of wealth and education. Encourage moral sense and social conscience.

[Ramzzi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good, but it felt still too British, and at the same time, leaning too much on being liberal. Ah, when “developed” countries don’t have much to do or say. Still a good introduction, or summary for Humanism.

[Joe Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good summary of Humanism. Falsely says that all humanists are in favour of abortion.