By Leo Russell In this article, Leo challenges the growing mood of technological pessimism, arguing that humanism should reclaim its historic optimism about progress, reason and human potential. From breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and medicine to the wider benefits of scientific innovation, he makes the case for a more confident and forward-looking humanism – one that celebrates human ingenuity while remaining grounded in ethical responsibility. In an age often domi

By Chris Highland What can a revolutionary thinker from the 18th century offer us today? Reflecting on the enduring power of Thomas Paine’s ideas, Chris Highland explores the importance of independent thought, expansive perspective and critical inquiry in responding to the political and religious tensions of our time. Chris is a teacher, writer and humanist celebrant living in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Thomas Paine (1737–1809) was an English-born journalist

By Kate Domaille In a world shaped by unsettling events and difficult stories, how we interpret what we see and hear matters. Drawing on literature, film, and her work as a celebrant, Kate Domaille reflects on the importance of empathy, perspective, and the search for humanity even in the darkest narratives. Kate teaches literature and cinema and she is an accredited celebrant with Humanists UK. In Albert Camus’ famous novella The Outsider, the main character, Meursault, a

By Owen Morton Owen lives in Sutton, a coastal suburb in North Dublin, Republic of Ireland. Author's introduction Ulster/Northern Ireland humanism holds a special fascination for me, given the Province’s pervasive fundamentalism. Even ‘implied humanism’ is a joy to observe. Such a person, it appears, was the Ulster-born engineer and tractor pioneer Harry Ferguson. My article recalls a little-known letter Ferguson wrote during a transatlantic voyage in 1921. While he did not i

By Tod Lundy In this thoughtful and gently humorous article, Tod Lundy reflects on the simple act of picking blackberries and discovers a series of life lessons hidden among the brambles. From attention and perspective to restraint, risk and opportunity, his stream-of-consciousness musings reveal how everyday experiences can offer unexpected insights into how we live, think, and relate to others. This is the third in a series of personal reflections from Tod, using stories an

By Dr David Mayston Why do periods of instability seem to spread and intensify across societies? Drawing on a systems perspective, David Mayston explores how interconnected pressures — from climate change and economic shocks to conflict and public services — can combine to create turbulence. He argues that humanism, with its respect for evidence, long-term thinking and shared human welfare, offers important tools for understanding and responding to these challenges. David has

By Dave Haith In this witty and thought-provoking piece, Dave Haith reflects on his surprisingly engaging exchanges with an AI chatbot – and the unsettling realisation that beneath the humour and rapport lies no genuine awareness at all. A timely reflection on illusion, authenticity, and the human tendency to project meaning onto the things that respond to us. Dave is a retired journalist and keen photographer. He lives in Bournemouth on the south coast of England. I’ve struc

By Ian Brent-Smith In an age of rapid change and uncertainty, Ian Brent-Smith explores the case for humanist leadership rooted in trust, transparency, and shared responsibility. Rather than relying on rigid top-down control, he suggests that resilient organisations are those where leadership is distributed and people are trusted to think and act. Following service as an officer in the British Army, Ian ran successful engineering businesses for 40 years, providing equipment an

One by one they fall, these people I have known, or loved, or merely liked – some far removed from worlds in which I lived; some with whom I laughed have also gone. To where I do not know. Oh, you departed: please come back and laugh again so I might laugh with you while railing at what’s yet to come. Tomorrow? Or perhaps a distant day? Who knows? Some knew; but some did not, and left abruptly, shock or sadness trailing in their wake – good friends or vague acquaintances who,

By Dr Viliem Kurtulaj In this provocative piece, Viliem examines the uneasy relationship between religion and philosophy, arguing that a commitment to unquestioned belief sits in tension with the philosophical pursuit of truth. Viliem is an Albanian lecturer, researcher and former diplomat, whose work focuses on politics, philosophy and education. Religion and philosophy meet in metaphysics – the study of the fundamental nature of reality – but beyond this, they often pull in

By David Warden Why do we so quickly cast political figures as villains? From Godwin’s Law to the figure of Trump, this piece examines how moral heuristics, culture and media shape our reactions – and how humanism can help us think more clearly and rationally. David is Editor of Humanistically Speaking and Chair of Dorset Humanists, UK. If you spend enough time in online discussion forums, you will eventually encounter Godwin’s Law. Formulated in 1990 by the American lawyer M

This issue explores where humanism stands and where it might go next. The views clashing whilst grappling with relevance, action, belief, and belonging. How can humanism reach the growing number of “nones” and prevent a drift back to religion by disillusioned secular thinkers? Does it matter? The message is clear humanism needs to listens and fulfil real human needs if it is to survive.

By Sophy Robinson Why are some of the world’s most famous critics of religion now speaking about faith, tradition and Christianity? Drawing on the voices of Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Richard Dawkins and Tom Holland, Sophy explores what this moment means for humanism — and whether a non-religious worldview can offer both truthfulness and comfort in times of crisis. Sophy is a former trustee of Humanists UK. I n recent years, several high-profile, outspoken former atheists have attracte

By Maggie Hall In this article, Maggie considers the future of organised humanism at the local level, questioning whether campaigning and discussion are enough – or whether humanist groups need to find new, more practical ways to serve their communities. Maggie is a retired teacher of speech and drama, a former Chair of Brighton Humanists, a member of the Humanists UK Dialogue Network, and a Humanists UK School Speaker. I have no doubt that humanism itself does have a future.

Like most local humanist groups we have struggled to grow our humanist group. Anthony explores why the growing millions of “nones” in the UK are not joining their local humanist groups and why this might pose a threat to Enlightenment values.

By David Warden David reports on the launch of Humanist Café in Bournemouth. Humanist Café is a deliberate attempt to move beyond traditional 50-minute lectures – which now have niche appeal – to something more engaging and communal. The response so far has been very encouraging. In her main article for this issue of Humanistically Speaking , Maggie Hall has honestly expressed a widespread concern about the future of organised humanism at the local level: ‘What I do have doub

By Dr James Croft James is University Chaplain and Lead Faith Advisor at the University of Sussex, and a former Leader at the Ethical Society of St Louis in Missouri. In this article, he argues that humanism is entering a period of profound challenge, as political polarisation, rising nationalism and cultural conflict put humanist values under pressure. He calls for a more confident, activist humanism that is willing to defend dignity, pluralism and secular democracy in an un

By Dr Mike Flood Mike has worked hard to provide a forensically-detailed survey of the health of the humanist movement in the UK and around the world. His findings serve as a sobering reality check. He concludes that humanist organisations are not currently in touch with the ‘spirit of the age’ and that our core concerns look ‘increasingly parochial’ when set against the big ethical and existential challenges of our day. Mike is Chair of Milton Keynes Humanists and Humanism f

By Jeremy Rodell What should humanist organisations campaign on – and, just as importantly, what should they not? In this wide-ranging article, Jeremy Rodell takes a close look at the realities of humanist campaigning, from assisted dying and education to climate change and culture wars. Along the way, he challenges assumptions about mission creep, public support, and the future role of organised humanism in a plural society. Jeremy is Co-Chair of South West London Humanists,

By David Warden I was invited to give a talk on this topic to South Place Ethical Society in London in 2003. The text from which I spoke is reproduced below, together with a subsequent exchange with Don Johnson of the Ethical Society of St Louis, Missouri. It ’ s good to know that, 23 years later, we ’ re still here so humanism did have a future. But to what extent do I agree with my 44-year old self? What has changed since those pre-smart phone days and what has stayed the s