Ten Core Beliefs of Humanists

[Humanist Association of Canada]

1. Humanists believe that the human species has evolved - and remains - as part of nature.

Humankind is no more than – and no less than – a part of nature: like all living organisms, the life of humans is limited in duration and scope.

2. Human consciousness is a function of the activity of the human brain.

Being aware of the rest of nature - and of the universe - and of its own place within it, is characteristic of humankind's mental functioning that is perpaps unique and certainly wonderful….Nevertheless consciousness is another aspect of natural life, not a force or essence instilled into humans by an outside deity or intelligence. An individual's consciousness ends when that person dies.

3. Human beings require (to some extent) a system of belief in order to function.

So far, most belief systems have revolved around the idea of an external god or gods. However, the same need to believe can be equally served by alternative systems of philosophy. The Humanists' system is founded using the scientific method to establish the factual basis of any data and on basing human behavior on reasonable conduct and democratic principles.

4. Humanists believe that in all its forms the supernatural is a myth.

Believing in an external god is a uniquely human activity. While it has produced some advantages for humankind, it also has been a source of considerable divisiveness and strife. Humanists are people who do not believe in the idea of a Divine Architect or Regulator who has constructed the universe and controls human affairs, and they reject religions based on dogma, revelation and mysticism.

5. The human species is capable of achieving a great deal using collaboration and creativity. The results of these endeavors often benefit our species and planet, but we are also capable of using the same abilities in acts of destruction and cruelty.

The human species has always carried out acts of great benefit as well as acts of destruction. Humanists recognize that the human species is innately capable of both - and that the potential for destruction is part of the human repertoire. Acts of mass aggression, killing and war are results of tendencies built into human behavior, not simply the result of the acts by a few abnormal and aberrant individuals. As a species we can clearly do many good things, but we need to be aware that we are capable of the opposite.

6. Humanists do not believe that the range of human behavior has been pre-ordained or that the rules of human conduct have been set by any deity or external intelligence.

No single religion has been able to show that it has exclusive access to the secret of peaceful and cooperative co-existence of life on earth. There is much merit in the idea that there is no such thing as an extrinsic set of rules imposed from outside humankind governing all of human behavior.

7. Humanists believe that individuals who are aware of the consequences of their actions on other individuals, on the community and on the species are likely to behave in a more reasonable and more ethical way.

Striving for the greater good and worth of the human species is not the exclusive property of theism. It is a human activity that can exist just as well without a belief in a deity as it can with it. Non-theists can be – and ofter are – ethical and moral people.

8. Humanists believe that equality of opportunity is a fundamental principle on which humankind can base its behavior.

Equality of opportunity should be supported for all people no matter what their nation, ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation or any aspect of their beliefs.

9. Life on earth is relatively fragile and requires care and attention to continue.

There is nothing protecting the human species against all causes of potential extinction. Our own activities may threaten our existence and we need to organize and regulate what we do.

10. Humankind's destiny is not predetermined or preordained - much of it lies in our own control.

There is hope. It is up to all human beings to look after each other and themselves.

Keith and Marnie Elliott’s “REMEDY” Site

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