Humanism is a fascinating idea. Hopefully we all attempt to better our lives and the lives of those around us, but do we actively think in terms of humanism? To say it another way, do we think about how our impact on the world around us can help the overall progress of humanity?
I think every good-natured person in the world is a humanist.
When I think about humanism as a religion, I immediately want to compare it to Christianity, just because it's a big, popular religion that I can relate to. Like any other belief system, Christianity is not without it's flaws, contradictions and practitioners with ulterior motives. I am a "person of faith" without a doubt, but I can see the logic of uniting people under an idea that is more tangible than the belief in a magic man in the sky.
I also think Humanism works against itself more than other belief systems. The advent of numerous technologies over the past 100 years have both progressed mankind and hindered it. Everything is becoming automatic. People are losing the ability to do things manually. I think we deny ourselves the physical and mental exercise we need to really progress as people. But I suppose the argument could go either way...what is more important to mankind; the ability to do something for yourself and expand your horizons, or to do something easier and faster while being less involved.
The ability to write and transfer ideas to others effectively is key to meeting the goals of humanism. No matter what technology comes forth in the future, getting your ideas across starts with putting pen to paper (or fingers to keys). I'm always thinking in terms of communicating to the masses, where real changes in thinking can be accomplished. So much depends on today and tomorrow's English teachers to start kids off in the right direction. If students will think about the content of their writing in terms of changing the way people think, then they are already thinking humanisticly. The message doesn't have to be a pleasant one, but if it causes people to progress and better themselves, then the ideals of humanism are being honored.
Sorry if this blog is a little all over the place.
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I liked your points a lot. They made me think and you made me see humanism in a different way. I just wanted to add however that I think in a way everyone is humanistic, but each person will interpret that differently. Not everyone is a like, much like religions, so therefore as long as you are doing what makes you happy I think that is all that really matters.
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