What Is Humanism
Humanism is an approach to life that emphasizes human dignity, ethical responsibility, and care for others. It brings together people with diverse beliefs around shared concern for human well-being and thoughtful engagement with the world.
Humanism is a way of approaching life that centers human dignity, well-being, and responsibility. It starts from the idea that people matter, here and now, and that our choices affect one another in real and lasting ways.
Humanism is not a religion, but it is also not defined by hostility to religion. Humanists can be religious, spiritual, nonreligious, or undecided. What unites them is a shared commitment to human welfare, ethical reasoning, and respect for others.
Core ideas shared by many humanists
- Human dignity has inherent value, independent of status, belief, or background.
- Ethics should be grounded in empathy, reason, and the real consequences of our actions.
- Human problems are best addressed through cooperation, critical thinking, and compassion.
- People have both the freedom and the responsibility to shape their lives and communities.
What humanism is not
- Humanism is not a single doctrine or belief system.
- It is not a political party or ideology.
- It does not require rejecting religion or spirituality.
- It does not claim to have all the answers.
Because humanism is broad, different people emphasize different aspects. Some focus on ethics and philosophy. Others focus on community, service, education, or social justice. This diversity is a feature, not a flaw.
Why people are drawn to humanism
Many people find humanism appealing because it takes human experience seriously. It encourages asking hard questions, caring about others, and taking responsibility for the kind of world we help create.
For some, humanism provides a moral framework rooted in shared humanity. For others, it offers a sense of community and belonging without rigid beliefs. For many, it is simply a reminder that how we treat one another matters.
Humanism in practice
In practice, humanism often shows up in small, concrete ways. Open discussion. Mutual support. Volunteering. Standing up for fairness. Creating spaces where people can think freely and still feel welcome.
At its core, humanism asks a simple question: given the world as it is, how should we treat one another? The answers may differ, but the question itself is shared.
Learn more about our local community or see upcoming events.