Humanist Thought of the Week

Implacable Grandeur

At a talk this weekend, I was asked whether Humanists believed in an afterlife. To answer the question, I quoted Camus from his essay, “Summer in Algiers” “If there is a sin against life, it consists perhaps not so much in despairing of life as in hoping for another life and eluding the implacable grandeur of this life.” My answer was that I don’t know if there is an afterlife, though I suspect not. What I do know is that I am alive now for this one. That’s for sure. It would really be a shame to waste this life if it turns out you don’t get another one. So my advice is to embrace the implacable grandeur of life.

A Fair Future for our Progeny

I received a copy of the Humanist Society of Silicon Valley’s newsletter this week. It included an Affirmation of Humanism that I just had to share. It says, Our Values: Freedom, reason, and tolerance. Our Goals: A humane society now, and a fair future for our progeny. Our Style: Integrity, laughter at oneself, and goodwill to others. I like that it is simple and succinct. My favorite part is that they used the word “progeny.” Sure, most people would have opted for “kids,” but they went with the more biblically classic “progeny.” And for that - I give them this week’s Humanist geek award. Because for all our attempts to simplify our message - we just can’t help ourselves. I hope our future progeny appreciates our sense of humor.

Blasphemy

I’m a Humanist. The concept of blasphemy is basically foreign to me. Especially in this day and age! I mean, what do we expect is going to happen if we offend a god?  That our crops are going to fail? That being said there is one thing I think is blasphemous. When people of faith reject the use of their God given brain in favor of superstition because they think God wants them to be stupid. I consider that blasphemous. If God created us, then he clearly intended us to be able to think and reason. To not exercise those God given skills is to reject God’s gift to you. And that’s just rude. He gave you a brain - use it!

It's Universal

Humanism arises in every culture and in every time. It’s a nearly universal philosophy born out of common sense. Which, unfortunately, is not all that common. But as a new friend point out - Humanism isn’t rocket science. Most people are able to figure this out for themselves. This life is the only one we can be sure of. So, lets make the best of it. Let’s treat each other with kindness and try to do some good while we are here. It simple really. Now, how do we make it universal?

Mini Golf Lessons

I played minigolf with my son the other day. He had a good time but complained that he wasn’t very good at it. I had to explain - that’s kind of the point. Nobody is good at minigolf! It’s best not to take yourself too seriously. Half the fun is making fun of how badly you are playing. Because no matter how carefully you line up your putt, Chances are your ball is going to rebound off one of the hazards, And go into the wrong hole or come back to you feet. In order to have fun playing minigolf, you need to learn to laugh at yourself. And remember, the point is to have fun.