Humanists UK has once again teamed up with broadcaster and scientist Professor Alice Roberts to explore the humanist approach to life in a brand new animation aimed at children entitled ‘Human nature, human potential’. The video officially launches online today, and is the latest resource from Understanding Humanism, the charity’s programme supporting learning about humanism in classrooms across the country.
In ‘Human nature, human potential’, Alice explores humanity’s place in the natural world – finite, interconnected, and reliant on nature, not separate from it. She examines how we can create meaning and purpose for ourselves without appealing to resources beyond the natural world. The animation is a celebration of what it means to be human: to be empathetic towards each other and other sentient life, as well as our capacity for curiosity, reason, and creativity.
Human beings: part of the natural world, not separate from it
While acknowledging human flaws like irrationality, selfishness, and poor decision-making, Human nature, human potential also emphasises that these shortcomings are not always personal failings but often stem from external circumstances beyond our control. It highlights how the conditions in which we live can shape our behaviour, sometimes limiting our ability to reach our full potential. However, the animation is ultimately a hopeful celebration of our shared human capacities. It underscores our collective responsibility to create a world where everyone has the freedom, opportunities, and support to thrive.
By protecting human rights, fostering compassion, encouraging curiosity, and ensuring access to education and knowledge, we can help build a society in which people are empowered to make the most of this one life we have. At its heart, ‘Human nature, human potential’ is a reminder that being human at its best means embracing our shared responsibilities and striving to create a more just, thoughtful, and connected world.
The short film was animated by Abigail Lamb Animation. It will accompany other resources and activities designed to support young people, including practical classroom exercises to better understand the humanist approach to life.
One of the main aims of Humanists UK is to raise awareness and understanding of humanism. Through its Understanding Humanism website, Humanists UK supports teachers and schools to deliver engaging lessons about humanism as an example of a non-religious worldview as part of an inclusive education about religion and worldviews. Its resources are downloaded tens of thousands of times every year.
Director of Understanding Humanism Luke Donnellan said:
‘We’re delighted with this simple but beautiful illustration of the humanist approach to life. The Understanding Humanism team is always looking for creative ways to support teaching and learning about humanism and humanist values. We hope it will be of value to teachers and schools as well as engaging a wider public audience with what it means to have a humanist understanding of who we are and what we are capable of.’
Notes
For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Director of Understanding Humanism Luke Donnellan at education@humanists.uk or phone 020 7324 3070.
You can watch all of our school’s animations and find out more about our work on understandinghumanism.org.uk
Understanding Humanism is Humanists UK’s education service. It aims to introduce young people to humanism as an example of a non-religious worldview. It provides teachers with the resources necessary to teach accurate, high-quality lessons about humanism, and assists them with the development of their own subject knowledge. The Understanding Humanism website offers information and services, including free school speakers who can work with teachers to broaden students’ understanding. Visit Understanding Humanism at understandinghumanism.org.uk.
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by 130,000 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.