Humanism in a nutshell: five core principles

By Dr Anthony Lewis

What does it mean to be a part of the humanist family? This article explores five core principles of humanism: living life according to the Golden Rule, relying on science and evidence, deciding on right and wrong using our sense of empathy, making the most of this one life, and thinking for ourselves. If these core principles resonate with you, maybe you're a member of the humanist family.

Anthony is Chair of Windsor Humanists.

Humanists often joke that if you put twenty humanists in a room, you'll hear at least twenty different opinions about any topic. That reflects one of humanism's defining characteristics: there is no central authority, no sacred text, no formal doctrine, no priestly caste, and no requirement for worship or religious practice. So what is humanism and how can you find out if you are a humanist?

Humanists are encouraged to think for themselves and reach their own conclusions. Despite this free-flowing approach, most humanists would agree on five broad principles, some might call them foundational beliefs, that underpin a humanist approach to life. They are summarised in five separate strips on the pictorial below. Read on to find out whether you belong to the humanist family.

1. The Golden Rule

Humanists believe that a good life begins with treating others as we would wish to be treated ourselves. This principle, often called the Golden Rule, is found across many cultures and religions and is supported by what scientists describe as reciprocal altruism – the observable tendency of social species to cooperate for mutual benefit. Humanists believe that kindness, fairness and respect help create happier individuals and stronger communities. Using mathematical game theory, evolutionary biologists have shown that reciprocal altruism is an evolutionarily successful strategy for social species, enabling individuals to increase their chances of passing on their genes. This is because it effectively balances the need to compete with the need to cooperate as social creatures living within ever larger groups. Humanists believe strongly that being kind and treating others well, in accordance with the Golden Rule, helps to build a better and happier life for the greatest number of people.

2. Looking to science and reason

Humanists see the universe as a wholly natural place that can best be understood through observation, evidence and reason, and do not see any evidence for an invisible supernatural realm. Rather than relying on ancient religious texts written millennia ago, humanists believe that science provides a reliable method of discovering how the world works – from the origins of the universe to the evolution of life on Earth. For many humanists, scientific discoveries are not only intellectually satisfying but also deeply inspiring, revealing our place in an interconnected cosmos.

Two independent strands of evidence, geology and biology, demonstrate that all life on Earth has evolved.

3. Compassion and human morality

Rather than seeing morality as fixed or divinely revealed in ancient texts, humanists believe that ethical values grow from our natural capacities for empathy, compassion and reason. Humanists believe that morality is neither absolute nor derived from ‘divine revelation’. Rather, morality has evolved alongside civilisation, with increasing recognition of human rights, the rule of law and the importance of individual autonomy. Increasingly, these changes in ethical perspectives have enabled us to bring our more primitive, and sometimes violent, instincts under control. While much progress has been made, humanists recognise that building a more compassionate and peaceful world remains a challenge.

4. Making the most of this One Life

Humanists believe that this life is the only life we have, and that our lives are book-ended by non-existence – before birth and after death. Humanists do not believe that our existence is a rehearsal for any sort of afterlife or reincarnation, nor is it a divinely-ordained test. We encourage everyone to make the most of the time we have by seeking meaning, happiness and fulfilment. We recognise that everyone deserves the same opportunity to make the most of their lives, provided they respect the equal rights and wellbeing of others. This emphasis on mutual respect supports a tolerant society in which people are free to choose their own path. Humanists strongly believe, therefore, that we should all focus on making the most of this precious one life that we have and experience directly. The humanist outlook is strongly driven by the mantra that this one life is ‘it’ for all of us, and so we should make it count and make it meaningful.

5. Thinking for ourselves and freedom of Speech

Independent thinking lies at the heart of humanism. Humanists value open inquiry, free speech and respectful debate, recognising that no individual or ideology has all the answers. This is why humanists are such strong advocates for free speech. It's essential to the management of complex modern societies, allowing us to challenge bad ideas and strengthen good ideas. Humanists strongly support secular democracy, the rule of law and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, believing these provide the best framework for protecting individual freedom and preventing tyranny. We are also strong secularists who believe that there should be both freedom of religion and freedom from religion. No religion or belief system has the right to impose itself on those who do not adhere to its doctrines.

Our destiny is in our own hands

In summary, humanists are atheists or agnostics because they do not believe there is any convincing evidence for a supernatural realm. They place confidence in humanity's ability to use reason, compassion and cooperation to address the challenges we face. As the astronomer and humanist Carl Sagan observed, there is no one else, nor any divine power, that is coming to solve our problems for us, nor to save us from ourselves — our future survival and destiny is in our own hands.

Being good without God

Ultimately, humanism is about using both head and heart: applying reason and evidence to understand the world, while drawing on empathy and compassion to improve our own lives and the lives of others. It's a set of beliefs that encourages people to think critically, care deeply and work together to build a better future for everyone. In a nutshell, being good without God.

Based on this brief explanation of humanism, do you consider yourself to be a member of the humanist family?

Making the most of this precious one life.