A Brief History of Humanism
Various forms of humanism have been a part of human thought throughout history. Nearly all religions have humanistic sides to them. Jesus, Socrates, and Buddha, among others, were notable largely because of the humanistic ideas they promoted.
Modern western humanism began to crystallize after Roger Bacon and others developed a scientific method for studying nature. Discovery of the vastness of the universe and the logic of nature helped humanity overcome its dependence on superstition.
Humanism entered politics with the democratic ideas of John Locke, Thomas Jefferson, and their friends. It is the major philosophy embodied in the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
Most humanists of the 18th century were deists who believed in a god that created a natural universe with no miracles. After Darwin explained evolution, agnosticism became the standard in humanistic circles.
Humanists such as John Stuart Mill, Susan Anthony, and Margaret Sanger led the struggles for the rights of women, minorities, and workers. Bertrand Russell, Thomas Dewey, and others developed humanist philosophy and education.
Humanist leaders of traditional religions, such as the Hindu Gandhi and the Christian Martin Luther King, are admired by humanists and the have influenced our thought.
Liberal Christian denominations such as the Quakers and the Unitarian-Universalists have many humanist members. Specifically humanist organizations founded in the 19th and 20th centuries include the Ethical Culture Society and the American Humanist Association.