I am in a profession that has me traveling often and therefore staying in hotels. I rarely see bibles but only for a lack of trying. I almost never open a drawer.

But what if I did? And what if I found a book of love and kindness? What if I find a book of inclusion and compassion? What if I found a book that acknowledged the dark places in which we find ourselves sometimes?

Is there such a book? Is there a humanist bible, humanist tract, or other literature that shares the humanistic values?

But what if this wasn’t just something I brought with me. What if it was just there. We open the drawer and we find love, compassion, and understanding?

I would feel good knowing that anyone staying in a room I was in would be able to access the same message.

Thought?

Humanists International and several secular and humanist organisations have raised concerns about the handling of the Article 17 TFEU dialogue during the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

In a joint statement, Humanists International, the European Secularist Network, the European Association for Free Thought, and Egale criticized the lack of representation and called for more balanced engagement in future dialogues.

Read more at https://humanists.international/2024/12/humanists-call-for-equal-representation-in-dialogue-with-council-of-the-eu/

Let's hear it for the dude who fought back against a profit-driven healthcare system that's been exploiting our families for decades. Some people are starting to have the balls to take action and challenge the grip they've been allowed to have over us

Hey guys, name's Van. My new book officially launches today on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DNZFB9HS

I think it's the ultimate handguide for navigating the modern world, and contains profound-ancient wisdom from Socrates to Tolstoy; and many of the greatest thinkers of the twenty-first century.

Stephen King said, "Books are like uniquely portable magic." And I believe this to be true. And I'm here to try and prove it, so please, ask me anything.

-Van

Proof: https://vantrinh.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/proof-scaled.jpg

(Apparently, you can read the entire thing for free right now... So, make sure to check it out while you still can. Thanks, Amazon.)

My (19f) mum and step-dad (who i've known since i was 4) are getting married with a humanist ceremony this month, mum has just asked me to do a reading and im struggling to find something that fits. I want to tell them that while this ceremony binds them together in a way that makes us family. My step-dad has always been family and raised me as his own. He's not a very touchy feely person so i'm pretty sure this will be my only opportunity I have to tell him how much i love him and i want it to be good and meaningful. I'm hoping for a recommendation of a poem/reading to say everything i want to say most 'step-kid' readings are a little childish and the others are a wee bit too lovey dovey

Humanists International welcomes the news that the High Court of Kenya has dismissed a petition to revoke the registration of its Associate member, Atheists in Kenya Society.

The decision follows a protracted legal battle that began in 2022, when Bishop Stephen Ndichu petitioned the court to revoke Atheists in Kenya Society’s registration on the basis that the organization’s registration and continued operation violate several articles of the Kenyan Constitution.

Read more at https://humanists.international/2024/12/kenya-court-ruling-a-boost-for-secularism-in-the-country/

I'm an admin for a Humanist Discord Server with members from multiple countries (in English). It's a sanctuary for those who are alone/persecuted and those passionate about Humanism. We cater to four key interests:

(1) Seeking a home for communal support and meeting new friends, 🤗

(2) Reflecting and practicing Humanist ideas, 🤝

(3) Self-care and personal growth, 💪

(4) Rational discussion and learning, 🧪

Currently, for events and activities, we have...

- A voice event every Saturday open to everyone to gather. We rotate between different interests:

(1) Topics on Humanist values, personal challenges and social issues 🫂

(2) Game Nights 🎲

(3) Humanist Book Discussions 📖

- Humanist Reflections, where members can post a question that everyone can reflect and give answers on. 🤔

- Channels to seek emotional support, and to share love and care with everyone 🥰

- Channels to discuss sciences, controversial issues, religion, and more ⚛️

We're planning to open up a new event on sciences very soon!

We're a grassroots movements that's always open to ideas on events and activities, so we welcome you to bring aboard ideas to a group of like-minded Humanists to build a loving and rational community together with us 💖

Join us here: https://discord.gg/7gqHnexn

Hello, my name is Van. I am a martial artist, computer programmer, author and aspiring comedian. I'm hoping to break into the publishing world with my new book, "250 Quotes That Will Make You A Better Person." It officially launches on 12/10. Here are the first 15 quotes, hope you guys get some joy out of it. Cheers

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1. “Few are guilty, but all are responsible.” -Abraham Joshua Heschel
2. “Make your life a work of art.” -Abraham Joshua Heschel
3. “Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most.” -Abraham Lincoln
4. “Science at its highest level is ultimately the organization of, the systematic pursuit of, and the enjoyment of wonder, awe, and mystery.” -Abraham Maslow
5. “We're all puppets, Laurie. I'm just a puppet who can see the strings.” -Alan Moore
6. “Hurrying and delaying are alike ways of trying to resist the present.” -Alan Watts
7. “Don't walk behind me, I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.” -Albert Camus
8. “Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth.” -Albert Camus
9. “I shall tell you a great secret my friend. Do not wait for the last judgment, it takes place every day.” -Albert Camus
10. “In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” -Albert Camus
11. “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” -Albert Einstein
12. “There's a time when a man needs to fight, and a time when he needs to accept that his destiny is lost, that the ship has sailed, and that only a fool would continue. The truth is, I've always been a fool.” -Albert Finney
13. “It is a little embarrassing that, after forty-five years of research and study, the best advice I can give to people is to be a little kinder to each other.” -Aldous Huxley
14. “Let the lie come into the world, let it even triumph. But not through me.” -Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
15. “Own only what you can carry with you; know language, know countries, know people. Let your memory be your travel bag.” -Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

We are excited to invite you to the first online General Meeting of Humanists International.
This virtual gathering will take place on January 17th at 13:00 GMT via Zoom.

This is an opportunity to connect with fellow humanists from around the world.

You’ll have the chance to share your projects, initiatives, and accomplishments with a global audience.

Register here: https://humanists.international/event/2025-general-meeting-2/

Do you agree?

Hey all,

Is anyone interested in creating a Discord Server that's dedicated to all things Humanism?

I have a rough server made up. I'm looking for a few people who would like to help proof it before I go "live" with it.

The server will focus on things like a bi-monthly book club, and a film group. I plan on having the first of the month be fictitious and the next nonfiction, as well as a family friendly book/movie.

The group will also be a place to organize, focus on businesses to support or avoid, a focus on nonprofits to support that month, a bimonthly message(secular sermon, if you will), and more. Each of these topics will revolve around a calendar that incorporates one of our commitments for that month.

If you're Discord savvy, let me know.

If you would like to join once it's ready, comment and I'll message you when it's time. I'll likely make another post when it's live too, if you'd rather just look out for that.

I don't speak English, and I translated this using ChatGPT, so I hope it makes sense. That said, I would love to hear your opinion on my theory.

Recently, I heard a very interesting analysis from a Spanish-language atheist philosophy channel about the problems atheism faces when trying to establish an objective and universal moral foundation. After reflecting on this topic, I developed a proposal that I call "Cosmoanthropism Moral," which I believe could offer a solid and logical foundation for a universal atheistic ethics. This theory aims to avoid the problems found in other atheistic moral systems, such as utilitarianism, which can justify aberrant acts, and also overcomes the limitations of excessively permissive theories.

The core of this theory lies in the recognition of the other as another self. When I recognize that the other person is a human being like me, with the same dignity and autonomy, the idea of a shared humanity, a 'collective self', arises. And it is precisely this recognition that gives rise to morality.

The Logic Behind Good and Evil

1. Shared humanity as the moral foundation: If I am human and you are human too, then, logically, we are equal in essence. This recognition generates a moral obligation: to treat you as I would want to be treated, because we both share that common humanity.
2. Evil as the denial of humanity: When someone denies this 'collective self' — that is, stops seeing others as equals or even denies their own humanity — the door to evil is opened. This allows for treating others as objects, tools, or inferior beings, justifying harm towards them. Similarly, by dehumanizing myself, I can justify self-destructive acts.
3. Dehumanization as a logical error: Treating a human being as something they are not (for example, an object or a means to an end) contradicts an objective truth: we are human, equal in dignity and autonomy. This logical error is the root of all immoral actions.

How does morality arise without the need for a deity? Good and evil do not require a divine command, but rather derive directly from our nature as rational and social beings. Recognizing the other as human automatically implies a moral obligation: to respect their humanity, autonomy, and dignity, because they are equal to mine.

For example:

• Slavery is immoral because it turns an equal into a tool, denying their humanity. If I accepted that slavery is good, I would be saying that forcing another human to serve is justified. But since we are both human, the same logic applies to me: I would be affirming that I too can be forced to serve as a slave. This is a contradiction because my dignity and autonomy as a human being lead me to reject the idea of being treated as an object, and thus, I must also reject it for others.
• Unjustified violence is immoral because it strips the victim of their dignity. If I think that harming another human without cause is acceptable, I would also be affirming that it is okay for someone to harm me without reason. This contradicts my logical interest in protecting my own dignity and security.
• Self-destructive decisions are immoral because they deny our own humanity. If I justified harming myself, I would be saying that my humanity has no value, which is a contradiction, as I recognize myself as a valuable and rational being. By extension, when I recognize that other humans are equal to me, I cannot justify them harming themselves or promoting their self-destruction.

In all these cases, by recognizing that I and others are equal in humanity, dignity, and autonomy, I follow a logical principle: what I accept as valid for others, I must accept for myself, and vice versa. This reasoning rejects any action that dehumanizes, instrumentalizes, or denies the dignity of a person, because by justifying it, I would indirectly legitimize those same abuses being inflicted on me.

Therefore, following these principles is not merely an ethical mandate, but a direct consequence of the logic derived from the recognition of shared humanity.

Fundamental Principles of "Cosmoanthropism Moral"

1. Humanity: Recognizing the other as 'another self' is the foundation of all morality. By doing so, a 'collective self' is born that obliges us to treat each other as equals.
2. Dignity: Humans are not means to an end, but ends in themselves. To instrumentalize or harm them contradicts their essence.
3. Autonomy: Every human being should be free to make decisions, as long as they do not harm others or interfere with their autonomy.

Morality as Shared Logic

In summary, morality arises as a logical consequence of our shared humanity. Any attempt to deny this equality — whether by seeing others as inferior or distancing ourselves from our own humanity — is the source of evil. The foundation of this theory is neither subjective nor relative: it is grounded in objective facts about what it means to be human.

I believe that such a proposal demonstrates that an atheistic morality can not only be possible but also logical and universal. What do you think of this approach? Do you believe it could address the problems you mentioned?

In summary, morality arises as a logical consequence of our shared humanity. Any attempt to deny this equality — whether by seeing others as inferior or distancing ourselves from our own humanity — is the origin of evil. The foundation of this theory is not subjective or relative: it is grounded in objective facts about what it means to be human.

Hierarchy of Principles of "Cosmoanthropism Moral"

Principle of Humanity (moral foundation)

All humans share an essential equality. Recognizing the other as "another self" obliges us to treat them as ourselves. Implication: Acts such as slavery, murder, or any form of dehumanization are immoral because they violate this equality.

Principle of Dignity (derived from humanity)
Each person has intrinsic value and must be treated as an end, not as a means.
Implication: It is immoral to exploit, instrumentalize, or subject others, even with their consent.

Principle of Autonomy (regulated by humanity and dignity)
Respecting the freedom of others to make decisions about their lives, as long as they do not harm the humanity or dignity of others.
Limit: Autonomy cannot justify acts that dehumanize or instrumentalize.

Principle of Proportionality (practical criterion)
Minimize harm and justify it only if it generates a greater good or prevents a greater harm, always respecting humanity and dignity.
Implication: In conflicts, prioritize the least harm possible and respect for higher principles.

Relationship between the Principles

• Humanity has absolute priority. Example: Murder is always more serious than a temporary restriction of autonomy.
• Dignity prevails over autonomy. Example: Someone cannot consent to be enslaved, because it violates their own dignity.
• Proportionality guides complex decisions. Example: In an abortion due to vital risk, prioritizing the mother's life may be morally acceptable if it is inevitable.

This compact model ensures clarity and logic in the application of the theory.

On 4 June 2022, Humanists International’s Casework & Campaigns Manager, Emma Wadsworth-Jones, spoke at the International Humanist Conference organized by Humanist Society Scotland.

What follows is her speech, reflecting on what the case of Mubarak Bala tells us about the universality of human rights.

Since I joined Humanists International a little over two years ago, we have received more than 530 requests for help from fellow humanists in every region of the globe. Together with their families, we can conservatively estimate that it amounts to more than 1,000 people needing help in the past two years.

Read more here: https://humanists.international/blog/how-universal-are-our-human-rights-the-case-of-mubarak-bala/

Kurt Vonnegut is the man!

I'm almost through all his books!

I am thinking about buying the board game that he made as well!

Has anybody played it?

In this blog piece, Monica Belițoiu, Executive Director of the Romanian Secular-Humanist Association shares why she felt it was important for her to contribute her research, experience, and expertise to the Romania entry of the Freedom of Thought Report.

For me, contributing to the Freedom of Thought Report by Humanists International is more than a gesture; it’s a personal commitment to the cause of individual freedoms in Romania. The challenges faced by humanists are not abstract issues but deeply personal struggles that impact real lives.

Read more here: https://humanists.international/blog/why-i-contribute-to-the-fotr/

Hey yall! My name is Ethan and I’m looking to possibly start practicing humanism and was wondering if anyone could tell me how that works? How do humanists practice their faith and what does that entail?

Thank you!

Humanist International gave me hope. I don’t remember the exact moment when or how I first came into contact with Humanist International, but looking back, I can see the changes that have occurred in my efforts to promote non-religious secular values.

I came from being a hopeless dreamer who had almost given up on his organization’s ability to impact secular values, to finding a community of progressive support, educational resources, and great opportunities for boosting the much-needed humanist advocacy in the third-world.

The task ahead now is to broaden the platform to increase other people’s chances of getting the same help.

- Mxolisi Blessed Masuku, Humanists Zimbabwe.

As a member of Humanists International, your organization gains a powerful platform to advocate for humanist values on the international stage.

Interested in joining Humanists International? Visit: https://humanists.international/join/

How can you be a humanist when it's literally the survival of the fittest out there.the day you were born,you are conditioned to be competing with others and enforce your right on something and justifying it with merit or money or power.haves will always have power on havenots.strong will always have an upper hand on the weak. I am tired of religion I am tired of capitalism and I am tired of the fact that I have little to no free will on the things that I am experiencing. I don't know how much socialism will solve the problem or worse,make more problems.iam having a tough time dealing with the realities of life.where do you seek hope from or should we seek hope at all in the first place.

this place seems more like an atheist circle-jerk than humanism ngl. i know the doing good and bad without reward thing kinda wants no deities or karma but geez people here seem much more interested in atheism and religion than the whole part that includes idk, humans???

So, I was just curious how do Humanists feel about this? This is one of my biggest issues currently honestly as a non-straight Humanist who believes in equality. I am bisexual, but heterosexually married.

I see such hate from others who are against people who are transgender, especially from those namely who are the conservative types who push their views skewing against transgender people's rights.

I am firmly for Human equality, compassion, and empathy towards others. It doesn't matter to me whether you are non-religious, religious, gay, lesbian, transgender, no gender, white, black, asian, or anything else. It's not my place to say what is right for someone else to live their life in such a manner, or claim to know better than they do about how they feel things.

Any thoughts on this? I hold the view, and I would assume most Humanists do, that I don't tolerate discrimination of any kind against anyone. It does also seem that people who are Transgender in general get hate from many people, not just those who are conservative christians.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has cited a submission made by Humanists International in his report on countering intolerance, underscoring that blasphemy laws are incompatible with international law.

The Secretary-General’s report on “Combating intolerance, negative stereotyping, stigmatization, discrimination, incitement to violence, and violence against persons based on religion or belief” was delivered as part of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Read more at: https://humanists.international/2024/11/humanists-international-submission-cited-by-united-nations-secretary-general/

Your right to hold and express non-religious views is enshrined under international law.

Too many countries fail to uphold their human rights obligations regarding non-religious people. Yet the international human rights framework is very clear that such rights exist.

At Humanists International, we track the situation for non-religious people in our Freedom of Thought Report, and through our advocacy and campaign work, we frequently highlight violations against the non-religious and defend non-religious rights.

On this page, we explain how the human rights of non-religious people with respect to their non-religious ideas are enshrined in international law.

Read more here: https://humanists.international/get-involved/resources/the-rights-of-non-religious-people/

📢 Young Humanists International is calling on all young humanists in Asia! 🌍✨

Passionate about driving humanist values and engaging the young humanist community in Asia?

Volunteer as the Asian Regional Coordinator for Young Humanists International! Apply now and help us make a difference!

Deadline: December 6, 2024.

If interested, please apply here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2024-YHI-Reg

Hello, Humanism!

So I don't know how many of you are socially awkward, but I most certainly am. The thing that makes it so difficult though is that while I don't always like people, I do love being around people in general. I've had a really rough time socializing in my life, and finding groups of people that I can just get with to even have an opportunity to build upon my foundations to become less awkward. This, along with the incredible difficulty of finding a place to be with others just so I can be with them without petty interests dictating that social gathering is what inspired me to come up with an idea.

Why don't we have a place where we can just get together? It's nothing more or nothing less than that--a place where you can go weekly to enjoy some live performances, hear some comedy, and maybe listen to a speaker. The purpose of just getting together is practical and direct--combat loneliness, and foster a social wellbeing regardless of your mindset on many given things across social boundaries. Morals and ideological stuff would be highly downplayed and general--think of the tone of things like Aesop's fables or old epics or plays that are rife with symbolic meaning and open to diverse interpretations. By avoiding strict ideological framing, JGTs aim to create a space where the focus is on shared experiences rather than the alignment of our mindsets, allowing people from all walks of life to connect without the barriers that often divide us. In this way, we may attempt to transcend our harsh social boundaries by just getting together and being a part of something.

The great thing about many ideas to me is that they can be iterative, meaning it can be built upon or repurposed however you need it to be. So that's what this is presented as--something you can take and run with if you'd like, no matter who you are or where you're from. I've included the intro to Just Get Togethers (JGTs) here from a longer, more in depth pitch I have on my Medium blog. Subjects like Community Engagement and Ideas for Getting Started are covered briefly there. A link which you can visit to learn more about how I envision them in depth will be provided at the end of my post.

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Introducing Just Get Togethers (JGTs)

Just Get Togethers (JGTs) are places revolving around the idea of exactly what it says — all sorts of people having a place to just get together. It’s an idea for inclusive community gatherings that create a space where people can connect, recharge, and simply be human — without the pressure of belonging to a particular mindset, group, or ideology. Inspired by a blend of community centers, churches, and ancient Greek symposiums, JGTs are designed to provide a casual social space for entertainment and shared experiences. Whether through music, comedy, storytelling, or simple conversations, JGTs foster a sense of belonging by letting people participate as much or as little as they like.

They are designed to be socially empowering even to those who dislike crowds and one-on-one socialization, so that everybody has a place they can go regardless of how confident they are with interaction. In addition, things like technology, money, and ritual are normally deemphasized, yet can be subject to differences depending on a Just Get Togethers’ rules of engagement.

These weekly gatherings take place on Wednesday evenings to offer a midweek recharge — a break from routine and a way to connect with familiar faces. With activities like performances, speeches, interactive segments, and games, JGTs provide something fun and free during an otherwise quiet time of the week. Supplementary low-key meetups on Saturdays could offer more focused activities such as book clubs, crafting, or quiet reflection, ensuring there’s always an opportunity to get involved at one’s own pace.

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Thank you for entertaining my pitch, and I hope you all have a great rest of the week! Here's the link for a more in depth look at just getting together - here's the link.