Humanists act with others in mind.
Treat others as you want to be treated
Or rather, as they want to be treated. We’re all different so we use reason, empathy, and dialogue to discover the kindest way to act for others.
Humans are communal creatures
Science has shown that we are intrinsically social, empathetic, altruistic, and understanding of concepts like justice and fairness.
We nurture goodness in ourselves and our community
We know that humans are capable of cruelty too. But humanists look to create an environment which nurtures good in all of us.
We act morally because it’s good for everyone
Not because we expect reward (like a place in heaven). We rely on reason and empathy to make decisions about what is good.
What is good can change
We reflect on decisions, their consequences and new information – and listen to and discuss things with other people. We’re open to changing what we see as good.
‘Why should I consider others? Myself, I think the only possible answer is the humanist one – because we are naturally social beings; we live in communities; and life in any community, from the family outwards, is much happier, and fuller, and richer if the members are friendly and cooperative than if they are hostile and resentful.’
Margaret Knight
Watch: How can I tell right from wrong? A short film narrated by our patron Stephen Fry, from the That’s humanism! series.
Other humanist values
Where next?
How humanist are you?
Take our quick quiz and find out if ‘humanist’ describes the way you already approach life.