Understanding Humanism

Human nature, human potential

In ‘Human nature, human potential’, Alice Roberts explores the questions at the heart of humanism: ‘What are we?’ ‘What are we capable of?’ and ‘How should we make best use of our capacities?’. Humanists believe we have natural origins, and that we can find joy, meaning, and purpose in life, without the need for resources beyond the natural world, but by making the most of our capabilities.

They acknowledge our potential for irrationality, selfishness, and poor decision-making, but emphasise that these shortcomings are not always personal failings but often stem from external circumstances beyond our control. We therefore have a collective responsibility to try to build a world in which everyone has the freedom, rights, and opportunities for their positive capacities to flourish.

The animation and accompanying resources (below) will support teachers to illustrate a humanist approach to life in a memorable way, connecting the different features of the human body to those capacities humanists celebrate.

Resources

Illustration of the Happy Human with core vocabulary

Activity and teacher’s notes on the Happy Human illustration and how it links to humanism

Slides of the Happy Human illustration and quotes

Blank Happy Human

Animation by Abigail Lamb Animation

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Understanding Humanism

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Illustrations by Hyebin Lee