---
title: "History and Influence"
date: "2021-08-04T13:17:36+01:00"
modified: "2023-03-29T12:14:04+01:00"
url: "https://understandinghumanism.org.uk/area/history-and-influence/"
post_id: 2409
---

# History and Influence

**Where can we find humanist ideas in history and how have they influenced the modern world in which we live?**

Humanist organisations arose in the late nineteenth century. However, humanist thought can be found over 2,000 years ago in ancient India, China, and Greece. It blossomed in the Enlightenment and is widespread today. Humanists have contributed to many changes in society: in education, healthcare, equal rights, and international cooperation.

To learn more about the history of humanism in the UK, visit our [Humanist Heritage](https://heritage.humanists.uk/) website. Teachers may find the [history of humanism in 100 objects](https://heritage.humanists.uk/objects/) of particular interest.