Ancient Greek philosophers like Aristotle sought humanistic answers to the question ‘What is a Good Life?’
What is a ‘good life’?
Humanist philosopher A C Grayling in his book ‘The God Argument: The Case Against Religion and for Humanism’ wrote: “By ‘good lives’ we mean lives worth living, fruitful and flourishing lives, lives that have a positive impact on others.” His seven principles are:
- Meaning and purpose. A life which has goals and a connecting narrative.
- Good relationships
- Activity, endeavour, work
- Authenticity – being true to yourself
- Autonomy – being self-directed
- Life feels rich and satisfying to you
- Integration of the different parts of your life, harmony
Humanists do not have rules inscribed in stone but A C Grayling, in ‘The Good Book’, suggested a modern version of the Ten Commandments which humanists may use as a summary of ethical principles:
- Do no harm to others
- Help those in need
- Love well
- Seek the good in things
- Think for yourself
- Be well informed
- Take responsibility for yourself
- Give your best
- Respect the natural world
- Be courageous