One of the central tenets of humanism is the belief that humans are capable of making ethical decisions based on reason and empathy. This means that we should strive to understand the perspectives of others, even when we disagree with them. It also means that we should be willing to engage in argument and disputation, not for the sake of winning, but for the sake of arriving at a more nuanced understanding of complex issues. This is particularly important in a world where tribalism and polarization are on the rise, as it encourages us to seek out common ground and work towards solutions that benefit everyone, rather than retreating into our respective echo chambers.
Another aspect of Humanism is the rejection of blind faith and transcendence. Humanists believe that we should rely on reason and evidence to guide our beliefs and actions, rather than relying on unproven dogmas or supernatural beliefs. It is a recognition that our beliefs should be based on what we can observe and test, rather than what we are told to believe. Humanism also emphasizes the importance of individual dignity and autonomy. This means that we should strive to create a society that respects the rights and freedoms of all individuals, regardless of their race, sex or other characteristics. It also means that we should reject any attempts to subordinate or annihilate ourselves or others, whether it be through authoritarianism, nationalism, or any other form of oppression. Instead, we should strive to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to live a fulfilling and meaningful life, free from fear and oppression.
Of course, humanism is not without its critics. Some argue that it is a cold and impersonal philosophy that places too much emphasis on reason and not enough on emotion. Others argue that it is inherently individualistic and that it ignores the importance of community and tradition. However, I would argue that these criticisms miss the point of humanism. Humanism is not about rejecting emotion or community; rather, it is about recognizing the importance of reason and empathy in creating a world that values human dignity and individual autonomy.
Today values of humanism are more important than ever. By rejecting irrationality, transcendence, and blind compassion, and by emphasizing the importance of reason, empathy, and individual dignity, we can work towards creating a world that values our common humanity and respects the rights and freedoms of all individuals. As Christopher Hitchens suggests, we should be willing to seek out argument and disputation, and to distrust all forms of oppression and subordination. Only by doing so can we hope to create a world that is truly just and equitable for all.
