World Humanist Day | #TeamBartsHealth blogs

Humanism is a non-religious worldview or approach to life shared by millions of people.

Humanists can be described as non-religious people who believe that this life is the only life we have. Trusting the scientific method, evidence, and reason to discover truths about the universe and place human welfare and happiness at the centre of their ethical decision making. 

World Humanist Day has been held annually since the 1980s, but we can find humanist ideas over 2,000 years ago in ancient India, China, and Greece. Around 5% of the UK population use the label ‘humanist’ to describe themselves, however many more share humanist beliefs and values.

What humanism means to me

“In the words of Humanists UK, I strive to ‘Think for yourself. Act for everyone.’ I only came to the realisation that I am a humanist in recent years. Humanism, to me, is thinking about the impact my thoughts, actions and reactions have on myself and those around me, daily. Allowing me to be motivated to make the best possible choices based on decisions I reach through rational consideration.” - Beth Brown, associate director, patient and community engagement and participation. 

“Humanism is something I have only recently been engaged with. My grandfather was a lay preacher for the Methodist Church and my mother used to tell me about how she went around villages in North Somerset with him as he preached, giving me understanding of the value of supporting communities moral beliefs.  Some of my favourite buildings are religious ones, including the mighty mosques of Cairo or Istanbul, or the great Cathedrals of Europe. But to me these riches are part of the human story and should be appreciated in the here and now.   

“I think the Humanist approach of basing an understanding of the natural world on reason and science is right, and the tenets of Humanist International; ‘rejecting all forms of racism and prejudice, and believe in respecting and protecting everyone’s human rights, including the right to freedom of religion and belief’ and ‘having a responsibility to respect and care for one another and the natural world’  reflects Barts Health’s WeCare values, and my own.” - Andrew Attfield | Associate director, public health.

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•   How humanist are you?