Secular humanism facts for kids
Secular humanists have a special way of looking at the world. They believe that every person is important and deserves respect. They also think that people are happiest when they help others and make society better.
Secular humanists are usually not religious. They often don't believe in gods or a supernatural world. Instead, they believe that humans can solve problems and find meaning in life using their own minds and kindness.
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What is Secular Humanism?
Secular humanism is a way of understanding life that focuses on human values and reason. The word "secular" means not connected to religion. The word "humanism" means focusing on human beings, their potential, and their well-being. So, a secular humanist is someone who believes in human goodness and uses reason to make decisions, without relying on religious beliefs.
Believing in People
Secular humanists believe that people can be good and ethical without needing rules from a religion. They think that humans have the ability to figure out what is right and wrong by using logic and thinking about how their actions affect others. They value things like:
- Reason: Using science, logic, and critical thinking to understand the world.
- Compassion: Being kind and caring towards all living things.
- Ethics: Living by strong moral principles that help everyone.
- Human Rights: Believing that all people should be treated fairly and have basic freedoms.
They believe that people should work together to make the world a better place. This includes helping those in need, protecting the environment, and making sure everyone has a chance to succeed.
Living by Reason and Kindness
For secular humanists, life's purpose comes from within themselves and from their connections with others. They often find meaning in:
- Learning new things and exploring the world.
- Creating art, music, or other beautiful things.
- Building strong friendships and family bonds.
- Working to improve society and solve problems.
They believe that humans are responsible for their own actions and for the future of the planet. They encourage people to think for themselves and to question ideas, rather than just accepting them without thought.
A Look at History
The idea of humanism has been around for a long time, even in ancient Greece and Rome. However, the term "secularism" became more common in the 1800s.
One important person was George Holyoake, who lived in Britain in the 1800s. He was the one who first used the word "secularism." He believed that society should be organized based on human values and reason, separate from religious rules.
Later, in the United States, a man named Felix Adler started the Ethical Culture Movement in 1876. This movement shared many ideas with secular humanism, focusing on ethical living and human dignity. Today, organizations like the American Humanist Association and the International Humanist and Ethical Union continue to promote these ideas around the world.
Images for kids
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Felix Adler, founder of the ethical movement
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David Niose, president of the American Humanist Association, speaks at a 2012 conference.
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Levi Fragell, former Secretary General of the Norwegian Humanist Association and former president of the International Humanist and Ethical Union, at the World Humanist Congress 2011 in Oslo
See also
In Spanish: Humanismo secular para niños
