Humanists are people who shape our own lives in the here and now, because we believe it’s the only life we have. We make sense of the world through reason and evidence, and always seek to treat those around us with warmth, understanding, and respect.
Humanists try to think clearly, to be good, and to live well.
A humanist is someone who:
- looks to science to explain how the universe works
- rejects the idea of supernatural forces such as gods and miracles
- makes ethical decisions based on reason and empathy
- cares about the world, the people, and other animals around them
- believes this is the one life we have
- seeks happiness and meaning in the here and now
Explaining humanism
What is humanism?
Throughout recorded history there have been non-religious people who have believed that this life is the only life we have, that the universe is a natural phenomenon with no supernatural side, and that we can live ethical and fulfilling lives on the basis of reason and humanity.
They have trusted to the scientific method, evidence, and reason to discover truths about the universe and have placed human welfare and happiness at the centre of their ethical decision making.
Today, people who share these beliefs and values are called humanists and this combination of attitudes is called humanism.
A non-religious approach
Humanism can be thought of as a philosophy, or simply a way of looking at and making sense of the world: an approach to life.
Calling it a philosophy is one way of describing it, but it can give the wrong impression. To be a humanist you don’t have to have read philosophy books, or have spent a lot of time thinking about your beliefs in philosophical depth. Millions of people are living humanist lives before ever hearing of humanism.
Approaching life in a humanist way means looking for natural, rational explanations for how the world works, treating other people with warmth and kindness, and deciding what’s right and what’s wrong based on the likely consequences of our actions for others in this life.
Our ‘How humanist are you?’ quiz is one way of telling if your own approach to life is a humanist one.
Living a good life
Humanists are non-religious people who shape their own lives in the here and now because we believe it’s the only life we have.
Humanism can also be thought about as a set of values which together make up a humanist approach to life.
Humanist ideas and humanist values have helped to shape the world. They’ve promoted tolerance and openness, along with ideas like human rights, helping create a better society. Humanist values inspire campaigners around the world to champion good causes and stand up for the freedoms of others
Defining humanism
These are some good definitions of humanism from dictionaries, philosophy guides, and experts on humanism.
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Who is a humanist?
The word ‘humanist’ applies to a spectrum of non-religious values, opinions, ideals, and behaviours as described on this page.
It’s a helpful descriptive word which can be applied to people, ideas, and movements around the world and across history.
Many people who call themselves humanists also call themselves atheists, agnostics, rationalists, or freethinkers. Others may choose to avoid labels altogether. Many times, a person’s values and ideals perfectly reflect a humanist approach to life even if they’ve never come across the word ‘humanist’ before.
‘I was a humanist without knowing it for many years before I found Humanists UK. When I did, it was like finding a sort of home. Here were people with a range of views that matched my own.’
In fact, this probably reflects most people with a humanist approach to life. In the UK, polling suggests about 24% of people (around 16 million people) have a humanist approach to life, while 7% of the population (nearly 5 million people) call themselves humanists.
A shared heritage
Humanist ideas are intuitive and can be worked out from scratch by anyone, anywhere, simply by thinking about the world and drawing on empathy and experience. It’s for this reason that humanist thinking can be found throughout recorded history in every part of the world. Humanist ideas have had a significant impact on the societies we live in.