What is humanism?
Human beings have always tried to work out how to live good lives. In the ancient world, this was the task of philosophy — practical reflection on how to think clearly, act well, and live meaningfully.
Today, many people are doing something similar in their own way — through conversation, reading, reflection, and shared experiences.
Humanism continues this tradition. It's not a set of fixed beliefs, but an approach to life. It involves thinking things through for ourselves, being guided by evidence and reason, and remaining open to learning and change.
At its heart, humanism is something we do together. We come together to reflect on what matters, to learn from one another, and to support each other in the ongoing challenge of being human.
Humanism does not involve belief in anything supernatural. Instead, it starts from the idea that this life is our one opportunity, and that we have the capacity — individually and collectively — to live meaningful and fulfilling lives.
This is the ethos behind our events: good thinking, good conversation, and a shared commitment to living well.
The qualities we try to develop
- Open-mindedness — being willing to listen, reflect, and change our minds
For example, taking someone else’s viewpoint seriously, even when we initially disagree. - Intellectual honesty — following the evidence and thinking things through carefully
For example, acknowledging when we don’t know something, or when we’ve been mistaken. - Respect for others — seeing people as individuals, not labels
For example, avoiding assumptions and taking time to understand someone’s own story. - Personal growth — recognising our limitations while striving to live well
For example, reflecting on our experiences and making small changes in how we think or act.
Learn more
If you’d like to explore humanism further, there are a range of perspectives and resources available. These include the Amsterdam Declaration, which sets out a widely recognised statement of humanist principles, as well as the Humanists UK website.
We also maintain a small lending library at Moordown Community Centre, open during our regular Saturday events, where books about humanism and related topics are available to borrow.
Photo credit: Bournemouth Beach by Aaron