A.C. Grayling: The Origins and Future of Humanism

‘Humanism is the philosophy that you should be a good guest at the dinner table of life.’

In recent years, the eminent British philosopher A.C. Grayling has been a respectful and emphatic voice within the New Atheist movement. During his distinguished career, he’s celebrated ideals of human rationality and progress, arguing for humanism as a powerful, practical alternative to religion. The author of more than 30 books, including What Is Good?, The God Argument and The Age of Genius, Grayling has articulated these values with academic rigour and eloquence.

In this talk, Grayling defines humanism and outlines its roots in the philosophy of classical antiquity. He’ll make a case for a universal ethics – one that honours human individuality, freedom and dignity – that can overcome the shortcomings and restrictions of organised religion.

Part lecture, part discussion (with Krystal Evans) – spend an hour with this exceptional philosopher for an invigorating perspective on what it means to be human, and humanist.

[Just_a_Servant]

Thank you Professor Grayling. You are a true inspiration. Your mind is bright and brilliant thank you for who you are and what you do.

[marylinc]

What a fantastic talk by Prof Grayling. Being an atheist and an anti-theist I've been struggling for a while about also calling myself a humanist and needed to gain a fuller understanding of what humanism is about. Prof Grayling explained it beautifully and with such eloquence so thank you for uploading his talk.

[a.chowdhury]

Professor Grayling is seriously underrated. People need to see and listen to his ideas. Amazing intellect!

[willmpet]

One of my favorite cartoons shows a sage saying to others, "Now you can quote me, but don't go running around making a religion out of it!"

[jaygeekay]

The first 33 minutes is pure poetry! Anthony Grayling beautifully describes humanism in such a way it would be impossible to dismiss.

[larryparis]

Excellent presentation and questions.  Mr. Grayling is a reservoir of historical knowledge and current, relevant philosophy.  We are all fortunate that information of this quality is available on the internet.

[mayflowerlash]

The considered life. Somebody, I can't recall who, once said, "A man should do three things during his life, first bring children into the world (and raise them to be happy), second plant a tree (grow things and interact with the natural world) and last write a book. I intend to write my autobiography the least part of which will be the events of my life. The better part will be the philosophy, or how I grew from bring raised as a catholic to becoming an agnostic (99% atheist) and humanist. I have raised my children and planted trees but the book that I write may be the thing which lasts the longest and influences my descendants for the better. I hope I can complete it and finesse it before I die.
A. C. Grayling is a brilliant philosopher and speaker. I have the amateurs view of history as I have not studied under any professor. Grayling adds nuance to the little I know. And I am grateful to have heard him speak.

[barlart]

I really admire Professor Grayling.

[MrSidney]

A C Grayling never disappoints. I only hope his talks had more views

[marilyngibson]

What a wonderful talk by Prof A.C. Grayling. Such an intelligent and eloquent man. I didn't know much about Humanism before listening to this talk but now know a great deal more. Many thanks to him and aren't we lucky to have such wisdom available to us.

[tomd]

This is awesome. I recently started practicing stoicism about 6 months ago (because religion has too many rules) and only heard of humanism. I didn't know humanism is so closely related to stoicism. I love the clear way of thinking. Cool. 👌

[stephenpowstinger]

❤ Grayling’s talk fits nicely with my new book “Humanly Possible” about humanism history for seven hundred years by Sarah Bakewell. I’m not sure I would call myself a humanist but the word tends not to rile the Bible people as badly as calling yourself an atheist. Grayling is such a rare bird - a philosopher who analyses the broad history and current developments in philosophy. Hello from Florida.

[leclaireguy]

that is so brilliant & inspirational. thank you

[TheMargarita]

I admire Professor Grayling and have read three of his books within the past year. I was therefore disappointed to hear him suggest the murder of a person, even as a joke.

[bubbercakes]

It is so true that we cannot get a truly intellectual president in the U.S. People want a “buddy” type personality in the office. I love my buds but neither of them would make a great president.

[placeswelive]

Confucianism and Buddhism are about "how we relate to each other"? May I suggest reading any of the texts?

[sihock]

I honestly thought that was Jerry springer in that thumbnail

[Nuevohumanismoparalaeradigital]

The problem is that atheist regimes such as the Nazi or communist regimes have been the cruelest in history.

[young-sukno]

People often think humanism is one of the lofty thoughts by the philosophers. But we all are humanists and it's as natural as being human. The problem of being humanist arises when we are challenged by the harsh reality of inequality, poverty and injustice. These have dehumaniszing effect. The Nordic countries were very wise to set up universal welfare systems from very early times to prevent the dehumanization in their societies. As to the religion, we all should get inspired by the Danish thinker Grundtvig who said it so aptly: Human first and Christian next!

[artlessons]

I enjoy Professor Grayling, having listened to his lecture on Wittgenstein Games theory about twenty times, The only time i stuttered was when in this lecture when speaking of his self as living in the sixties and contrary to what some says " if you remembered the sixties you never lived it " He by intent was making a dig at Bob Dylan '. ( who has won more awards than anyone in academia, ,, from the Pope, Presidents and Nobel Peace Prize ) That dig by him is the downside of academia . Dylan was the centre of the storm , not a A AFTER THE FACT remark from the comforts of the stuffy walls of Cambridge . I like a piece of ancient wisdom that Carl Jung liked ''' One can see far from the mountain top but in order to understand one has to go down in the valley " Both Wittgenstein and Dylan went down into the Valley thus understands, I have certainly learned from listening to Atheists on You Tube, that they are two faced, Depending on their audience they personify themselves differently, In this lecture it is clear he is not a wise man and does not understand Wittgenstein as he claims through his powder puff words .has put the lid back on the fly jar, . He should keep his personal life and digs out of his lectures . He casts a shadow over religion so appear enlightenment . I most certainly have dropped Cambridge from the altar of academia ( the new Heaven of Earth ) The upside is I immediately became aware of the value of my own wisdom after understanding how inflated he is rather than being a man of wisdom .He is a academic puff ball that clings like a disease to the academic stick . He is not a genius and this was a great disappointment ..I understand why Russel said upon reading Wittgenstein doctorial thesis .that it was a work of genius adding he also qualifies for a PH D . Meaning genius is above a PHD paper. .