Humanists rely on reason, experience and shared human values.  We believe that we only have one life and that life should be fulfilling and happy, not just for ourselves but for all. We should live good lives without any need for religious or superstitious beliefs.

“Humanists ask themselves the same questions as everyone else: Why am I here? What’s the purpose of life? How did life begin? What will happen to me when I die? Religious people often come up with answers based on faith in God; humanists look for answers based on reason, experience and shared human values. Humanists look for evidence before they believe things – and so they are likely to believe what scientists or their own experiences tell them, or to remain open-minded about questions, rather than to believe what someone else says.”

Throughout recorded history there have been non-religious people who have believed that this life is the only life we have, that the universe is a natural phenomenon with no supernatural side, and that we can live ethical and fulfilling lives on the basis of reason and humanity. They have trusted to the scientific method, evidence, and reason to discover truths about the universe and have placed human welfare and happiness at the centre of their ethical decision making.

Today, people who share these beliefs and values are called humanists and this combination of attitudes is called Humanism. Many millions of people in Britain share this way of living and of looking at the world, but many of them have not heard the word ‘humanist’ and don’t realise that it describes what they believe.”

British Humanist Association

For further reading on Humanism visit the British Humanist Association website