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The Ugly Side of Humanism

© Francois Tremblay

My basic position can be described as Rational Individualism. I am agaisnt humanism for many reasons, but the main reason is because humanism is collectivist. Many humanists are surprised to hear this, so I decided to compile a little list of American Humanist comments to that effect.

Now, the basic position of Humanism seems commendable :

"We humanists think for ourselves as individuals. There is no area of thought that we are unwilling to explore, to challenge, to question, or to doubt. We feel free to inquire and then to agree or disagree with any given claim. We are unwilling to follow a doctrine or adopt a set of beliefs or values that does not convince us personally. We seek to take responsibility for our decisions and beliefs and that necessitates our control over them. Through this unshackled spirit of free inquiry, new knowledge and new ways of looking at ourselves and the world can be acquired. Without it, we are left in ignorance and, subsequently, are unable to improve upon our condition." http://www.americanhumanist.org/humanism/perspective.html

That is great ! Humanists propose freedom of thought. But does humanism also promote freedom of action and individualism in action ? Or do they promote democracy, collectivism, and promote anti-individualist social structures ? In essence trading one god for another ? Are Humanists against progress ?

From wha I have read, it seems that humanists pay lip service to the idea of individualism, but that when push comes to shove, few actually endorse it. Rhetoric is not worth anything if it is not supported by practical positions.

But judge for yourself...

From the HUMANIST MANIFESTO : http://www.americanhumanist.org/about/manifesto1.html

"The humanists are firmly convinced that existing acquisitive and profit-motivated society has shown itself to be inadequate and that a radical change in methods, controls, and motives must be instituted. A socialized and cooperative economic order must be established to the end that the equitable distribution of the means of life be possible."

From http://www.americanhumanist.org/humanism/definitions.htm

"Humanism is a progressive lifestance that, without supernaturalism, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead meaningful, ethical lives capable of adding to the greater good of humanity"

"it supports the maximization of individual liberty and opportunity consonant with social and planetary responsibility"

"Humanism is a philosophy of life that considers the welfare of humankind - rather than the welfare of a supposed God or gods - to be of paramount importance."

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