We live in times when the fundamental humanity of us all is assaulted by the forces of hate, small-mindedness, and flagrant self-interest. We need to reclaim what is most precious in us.
Joe, I will treasure this. However, I do have a critique of the Humanist Manifesto. It says in essence that the universe arose from nothingness. How did the authors know that? How can a universe that approaches the complexity of infinity just pop-up out of non--existence. If Humanists respect the scientific process, why are they not open to what some astrophysicists are saying, They are confident that they are closer to discovering how it all began. You are dead right that the world needs major doses of mutual respect, compassion, and adherence to an ethical code. And what about the quest for unity, and can Humanism reach those who are leaving organized religion. I believe that promoting a sense of awe of the night sky is community building. Many of the world's people no longer see the night sky. If the world community can be mobilized to bring the majestic star studded majical dome back into view, a sense of shared awe, may help us see one another as the brothers and sisters that we are.
I have enjoyed reading your essay. Every word resonates with me. As a lapsed Unitarian unhappy with their current reincarnation (narrow-minded, puritan, punitive of dissent) I appreciate your pointing out the role Unitarian thinkers have played in coming up with a “humanist manifesto”.
Thank you for delving into the history of humanism and its values which culminated in a revolt against the strictures of religion and feudalism in Europe, the US and elsewhere. Humanist values are indeed universal.
I think we are about the same age. I was a student of French, English and German literature, first at Heidelberg and then Columbia. I remember attending a seminar in my second year on John Donne (whose relevance I only dimly grasped since my English was less than adequate). But what I remember best is that he grappled with the split in the realm of knowledge into “scientia” and “sapientia”. Those of us in the Humanities curriculum felt a bit superior to the mere “bean counters” and “cold rationalists” in the hard sciences. In fact, we were wrong. We need each other and we can learn from each other. E.O. Wilson’s book “Consilience” comes to mind. What Maureen Dowd reports as a trend in her recent column is sad and tragic and does not bode well for us as a society.
Humanism is a belief system to respect fellow beings. Their rights and freedom should be respected. Humanism is a service to humanity. "Seva"in Sanskrit means Service to others.
We find joy and happiness when we are able and willing to serve others. This Seva is based on humility and equality.
Dear Mr. Chapman your writing is well thought eloquent as well as we can easily relate to our social and political issues.
Thank you Sir for sharing your knowledge and thoughts. It enriches us🙏
I've shared this elegant essay with the board members of our local humanist group, and also with the minister at our local UU church. We intermingle members; I hope your article will provoke some thoughtful conversation somewhere.
In North Carolina for 10 years now, I still miss NYSEC and your lectures there.
Joe, I will treasure this. However, I do have a critique of the Humanist Manifesto. It says in essence that the universe arose from nothingness. How did the authors know that? How can a universe that approaches the complexity of infinity just pop-up out of non--existence. If Humanists respect the scientific process, why are they not open to what some astrophysicists are saying, They are confident that they are closer to discovering how it all began. You are dead right that the world needs major doses of mutual respect, compassion, and adherence to an ethical code. And what about the quest for unity, and can Humanism reach those who are leaving organized religion. I believe that promoting a sense of awe of the night sky is community building. Many of the world's people no longer see the night sky. If the world community can be mobilized to bring the majestic star studded majical dome back into view, a sense of shared awe, may help us see one another as the brothers and sisters that we are.
I have enjoyed reading your essay. Every word resonates with me. As a lapsed Unitarian unhappy with their current reincarnation (narrow-minded, puritan, punitive of dissent) I appreciate your pointing out the role Unitarian thinkers have played in coming up with a “humanist manifesto”.
Thank you for delving into the history of humanism and its values which culminated in a revolt against the strictures of religion and feudalism in Europe, the US and elsewhere. Humanist values are indeed universal.
I think we are about the same age. I was a student of French, English and German literature, first at Heidelberg and then Columbia. I remember attending a seminar in my second year on John Donne (whose relevance I only dimly grasped since my English was less than adequate). But what I remember best is that he grappled with the split in the realm of knowledge into “scientia” and “sapientia”. Those of us in the Humanities curriculum felt a bit superior to the mere “bean counters” and “cold rationalists” in the hard sciences. In fact, we were wrong. We need each other and we can learn from each other. E.O. Wilson’s book “Consilience” comes to mind. What Maureen Dowd reports as a trend in her recent column is sad and tragic and does not bode well for us as a society.
Humanism is a belief system to respect fellow beings. Their rights and freedom should be respected. Humanism is a service to humanity. "Seva"in Sanskrit means Service to others.
We find joy and happiness when we are able and willing to serve others. This Seva is based on humility and equality.
Dear Mr. Chapman your writing is well thought eloquent as well as we can easily relate to our social and political issues.
Thank you Sir for sharing your knowledge and thoughts. It enriches us🙏
happiness.
I've shared this elegant essay with the board members of our local humanist group, and also with the minister at our local UU church. We intermingle members; I hope your article will provoke some thoughtful conversation somewhere.
In North Carolina for 10 years now, I still miss NYSEC and your lectures there.
You make a scholarly case for moving beyond old definitions of humanism towards a new one emphasizing empathy and kindness.