Humanism Intro Part 1 - 'Humanism' Richard Dawkins, Tim Minchin, Andrew Copson, & more...

Humanism is sometimes mistaken for a form of religion, or something which is very complex. Here, some well known humanists explain that all humanism really is, is people wanting to live ethical and happy lives, thinking for themselves, without religion imposing its own morals on them which are not necessarily compatible with living ethically today. Including interviews with: Richard Dawkins, A C Grayling, Tim Minchin, Andrew Copson, Polly Toynbee, Rumi Hassan, Philip Pullman, & Zoe Margolis.

[adamsharpe]

"Science is the poetry of reality"

[Gryffster]

The best stories have a beginning, a middle, and an end.

[ZanetaW]

I've always identified as atheist in some way, even though I've been raised in a Christian home my entire life. Discovering the existence of humanism has made my life 200% better! Thanks for explaining this ideal to those who are condemning, skeptical, or just curious about humanism and their lifestyles.

[PhilipMcAdam]

I do not see anything in this video that anyone can disagree with. I feel it is a wonderful way to live your life rather than have some superstition guide your movements and judgements. The last speaker really does sum it up well. Why do people find this form of thought evil. It just seems a wonderful way to base your live according to reason. Fro well over 2000 years with have had a faith based system and I think you would agree it has not served man kind well at all. Time to move on and try something new based on reason.

[MrARock]

I forget who it was who said (and I'm paraphrasing) "the only thing worse than the party coming to an end is knowing that the party is still going on, but that you have to leave."  Thus we invent the concept of the afterlife.

[pwakaro]

"...but that doesn't mean that it (humanism) has got a particular line or doctrine that everyone has to follow. In fact, it demands of people that they think of themselves." Wow!! Couldn't be put better than this!!

[kroschfoenigin]

This is beautiful. I sincerely love all those guys, and, come to think of it, I love all of you who read this, too. This is the one big experience that we are in for, so let's make good use of it: Let us all be honestly nice to one another. It's as simple as that.

[deeliciousplum]

This is wonderful! Thank you to those at the British Humanist Association and to all who participated in sharing their voices.

[bikescience]

So refreshing to listen to this. The thought that life (in some way or another) will go on long after I’m gone is in itself comforting to me personally. I’m lucky enough to live on the edge of some beautiful woodland on the Cotswold Edge. Every day I marvel at the incredible nature around me. That all of these amazing things gradually came in to being via natural processes is in itself remarkable enough not to need a “god” to explain it.

My kids dug up a 65 million year old fossil in our garden while playing during lockdown. It’s incredible to think that 65 million years ago where I live was not even above water. It’s wondrous to me to even consider what things might be like in another 65 million years. Life and nature are perplexing at times, but knowing there will always be more to learn about how and why the universe is like it is fills me with so much joy and optimism.

Loved the video. Thanks for posting.

[PayiraBonnie]

Indeed "Science is the poetry of reality"

[Aaron-lrdi]

'One cannot prove that god doesn't exist, but science makes god unnecessary' - Nobel prize winning physicist, Stephen Hawking

[TheJosephPrice]

I've always taken the position that, we all won't know for sure until we die, so we might as well live our lives and not worry about it.

[fabian]

I've always thought about that. Eternity whether in an evil or good way, freaks me out! Credit where credit is due, and death deserves its credit. Excellent point.

[chrisneethling]

For me, being a humanist is a liberating experience. One of the aspects of humanism I like the most is that we do not judge anyone by what they believe or do not believe. Rather, we do the right thing simply because it's the right thing to do

[landerstow]

As a dedicated altruist I think this was very well done and well in line with my thoughts on life. Science rocks.

[Hausofcozy]

Yep I'm definitely a humanist!! :D

[FrankieCrumb]

Recently I stopped trying to find God and in doing so I found the wonderful world that I have the great pleasure of being alive in. I now look at what I see with wonder and I no longer sit around praying for this or that, and waiting for the answer. I go with open eyes, with no god, no afterlife, no heaven, no hell, just this life! Funny thing after spending 50 years going after God to have a happy good life ended up leading me away from having it.
Very Happily God Free!!!

[Celenost]

Tim Minchin, Richard Dawkins and Philip Pullman speaking about humanism. Now I am happy for the rest of the week.

[sarahhardy]

I don’t want to live my life according to the goatherder’s guide to the galaxy. It has no more pull on me than the Torah, the Koran, the Sutras or the Vedas. I chose knowledge, reason, empathy and truth. (Edited for spelling)

[redmadhatter]

Richard at around 1:40 had an amazing point. I have to say though, the idea of eternity isn't what's frightening about death. The idea of being dead is what's frightening about death. :/