A Sunday Times best-seller

The Little Book of Humanism

Universal lessons on finding purpose, meaning and joy

By Alice Roberts and Andrew Copson

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All author royalties go towards supporting the work of Humanists UK.

The Little Book of Humanism by Alice Roberts and Andrew Copson

Two thousand years of humanist wisdom

The Little Book of Humanism shares over two thousand years of humanist wisdom through an uplifting collection of illustrations, stories, quotes, and meditations on how to live an ethical and fulfilling life, grounded in reason and humanity. The book quotes everyone from ancient philosophers like Epicurus and Mencius, through to contemporary humanist sources of inspiration such as Frozen and The Good Place actor Kristen Bell, the novelists Zadie Smith and Margaret Atwood, and the playwright and poet Wole Soyinka.

It examines how humanity came to be, our unique place in the world, and why humanists reject religious explanations, before offering reflections on how to be good, how to live well, how to think clearly, and how to deal with loss. It’s an approachable, uplifting guide to finding happiness and leading a fulfilling life through the wisdom of famous humanists from the past and present.

‘Gorgeous and full of wise quotes and stories that we would all do well to heed in today’s crazy world.’
Jim Al-Khalili
‘This beautiful little book is, well, beautiful. The perfect antidote to a great deal of nonsense.’
Shaparak Khorsandi
‘A wonderful source of wisdom and calm.’
Frank Turner

Also in the Little Book series

Two pocket-sized companions to the original, drawing on the wisdom of Humanists UK’s celebrants and some of history’s greatest thinkers.

The Little Book of Humanist Weddings

The Little Book of Humanist Weddings

Enduring inspiration for celebrating love and commitment

An uplifting collection of quotes, stories, and meditations to inspire couples’ thoughts on the ideas, beliefs, and values at the heart of their humanist wedding or relationship. It draws on the wisdom of Humanists UK’s wedding celebrants, and quotes everyone from Margaret Atwood and James Baldwin to Lorraine Hansberry and Stephen Fry.

‘For those who prefer not to have the supernatural preside over their joyful day, here is the perfect guide.’ Ian McEwan

Planning a humanist wedding? Find a celebrant →

The Little Book of Humanist Funerals

The Little Book of Humanist Funerals

Remembering and celebrating a life

Quotes, meditations, and stories from Humanists UK celebrants that invite us to begin thinking about mortality, death, dying, and grief, from Shakespeare to Stephen Fry, Nelson Mandela to Zora Neale Hurston, and Marie Curie to Marcus Aurelius.

‘There’s so much more in The Little Book of Humanist Funerals about the meaning of life more generally.’ Alice Roberts

Arranging a humanist funeral? Find a celebrant →

About the authors

Alice Roberts

Professor Alice Roberts is a writer, broadcaster, and Vice President of Humanists UK. She is the bestselling author of many popular science books including Buried, Ancestors, and The Incredible Unlikeliness of Being, and has presented a huge range of television series, from Digging for Britain to Britain’s Most Historic Towns.

Andrew Copson

Andrew Copson OBE is the Chief Executive of Humanists UK. His books include What I Believe, Secularism: Politics, Religion, and Freedom, and his new book, How to be a Happy Human.

Get your copy of The Little Book of Humanism

Buy from HiveWaterstonesBookshop.orgBlackwell’sAmazon

Looking for more? See our recommended books on humanism, or What I Believe, edited by Andrew Copson.