Another major nonfiction book on humanism is on its way. What I Believe, an inspiring collection of interviews with over thirty different humanists in the public eye, originally for the Humanists UK podcast of the same name, will be released in November 2024. 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. It includes conversations with Stephen Fry, Sandi Toksvig, and Alice Roberts, among many, many more.
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. All ideas, values, and beliefs are open to question and in this book readers have the opportunity to reflect on the human experience and find guidance and solace in the complexities of modern life.
The collection originates in conversations from Humanists UK’s popular podcast of the same name, What I Believe, which since 2020 has been listened to by over 300,000 people in over 100 countries, and has ranked in the top 1% of podcasts worldwide.
What I Believe features 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.
Welcoming the publication of What I Believe, author Andrew Copson said:
‘After the success of The Little Book of Humanism, I’m delighted to be sharing the breadth and depth of humanist thought today as well as fresh perspectives on living well in today’s world. What I Believe is not just a collection of interviews; it’s a gateway to understanding the rich tapestry of humanist thought that has shaped the lives of some of the most influential figures in our society.
By bringing together voices from various fields—science, literature, politics, and entertainment—this book aims to illuminate the diversity of humanist beliefs and demonstrate how these philosophies can offer guidance and solace amid the complexities of modern life. I hope that readers will find within these pages not just inspiration but also a deeper sense of connection to the shared human experience, and that it will stimulate them to reflect on their own beliefs and the values that guide their lives, as it did for me!’
The book is available to pre-order from Waterstones, Hive, Amazon, and all good bookshops, at £16.99 RRP. It is published by Piatkus Books, an imprint of Little, Brown. Author royalties from the book go towards supporting the work of Humanists UK.
About the author:
Andrew Copson is the Chief Executive of Humanists UK and President of Humanists International. He is a well-known humanist voice on television and radio and has written on humanism for many publications in the UK and globally. With AC Grayling, he edited The Wiley Blackwell Handbook of Humanism; with Alice Roberts he is the author of the Sunday Times bestseller The Little Book of Humanism; he is also the author of Secularism: A Very Short Introduction.
About the What I Believe podcast:
The What I Believe podcast asks humanists in the public eye what they believe, shining a light on their diverse worldviews and the values, convictions, and opinions they live by. It is presented by Humanists UK Chief Executive, Andrew Copson and has been downloaded over 300,000 times in more than 100 countries and has a 5-star rating on Apple podcasts. There are over 50 episodes to stream or download.
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For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Kathy Riddick at press@humanists.uk or phone 07534 248 596.
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 120,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.