What is humanism?
Humanism is a way of thinking about the world that focuses on human responsibility for creating a better future. It is a non-religious life stance grounded in reason, compassion, and a commitment to improving the wellbeing of people, other animals, and the world we share.
Humanism places human moral responsibility at the centre, not because only humans matter, but because we are responsible for the choices that affect people, other animals, and the natural world.
Humanist values
The Amsterdam Declaration is a foundational document that outlines the shared principles of modern humanism. First adopted in 1952 and updated in 2022, it reflects what humanists around the world broadly agree on.
The revised declaration reaffirms humanism as:
Ethical
Grounded in compassion, autonomy, and human rights.
Rational
Committed to science, critical thinking, and evidence.
Naturalistic
Embracing a worldview based on nature and reason – not the supernatural.
Inclusive
Grounded in compassion, autonomy, and human rights.
“Humanism is a democratic and ethical life stance which affirms that human beings have the right and responsibility to give meaning and shape to their own lives. It stands for the building of a more humane society through an ethic based on human and other natural values in the spirit of reason and free inquiry through human capabilities. It is not theistic, and it does not accept supernatural views of reality.”
A shared global philosophy
Humanism is a worldwide movement with a long history. It is a global philosophy and is not limited to one country or culture, with communities, organisations, and supporters across every region of the world.
Today, humanist organisations exist in at least 40 countries, connected through international networks like Humanists International. Together, there are currently over 120 humanist organisations worldwide
Am I a humanist?
You might identify with humanism if you agree that: