ABSTRACT
For Humanists, Humanism refers to a modern life stance rooted in rational thinking, providing a way o f understanding our universe and our place in it in naturalistic terms, rather than in supernatural or theistic terms. As a philosophy o f life, Humanism offers its adherents, both as individuals and as members o f society, a secular ethic grounded in human values and in the human experience. As Humanists we are conscious o f our common humanity and are impelled by a sense o f the moral worth o f all human be ings. We want our actions to be guided by compassionate reason and the realization of humankind’s common destiny. As Humanists we reject absolute authorities and re vealed wisdoms; we promote free inquiry; we refuse to let custom replace conscience and reason; and we defend intellectual integrity. We are committed to responsible free dom of thought and action and to civilized law. Asserting the centrality of the human being, the Humanist proposes that the purpose of life is that which each of us gives to it.
