Humanists recognize that it is only when people feel free
to think for themselves, using reason as their guide, that they
are best capable of developing values that succeed in satisfying
human needs and serving human interests. • ISAAC ASIMOV -
scientist, author, and past president of the American Humanist
Association.
It seems to me that the idea of a personal God is an
anthropological concept which I cannot take seriously. I also
cannot imagine some will or goal outside the human sphere....
Science has been charged with undermining morality, but the charge
is unjust. A man's ethical behavior should be based effectually on
sympathy, education, and social ties and needs; no religious basis
is necessary. Man would indeed be in a poor way if he had to be
restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward after death.
• ALBERT EINSTEIN - scientist, Nobel Prizewinner in
physics, originator of the theory of relativity.
When we speak of equality, of women and men, of Blacks and
Whites, of all the world's people, we are talking about humanism.
• GLORIA STEINEM - founder of Ms.magazine, Humanist
Pioneer Awardee.
Humanism, in all its simplicity, is the only genuine
spirituality. • ALBERT SCHWEITZER - accepting the Nobel
Peace Prize.
Humanism is a philosophy of joyous service for the greater good
of all humanity, of application of new ideas of scientific
progress for the benefit of all. • LINUS PAULING -
scientist, Humanist of the Year in 1961, Nobel Prize in chemistry
in 1954, Nobel Peace Prize in 1962.
Our nation's founders saw a free press and an educated
citizenry as the twin pillars of democratic health. But we no
longer live in their world of numerous small, independent presses.
These days, the vast majority of Americans get their news from
corporately-owned information monoliths and from their local
newspapers, most of them corporate subsidiaries as well. That is
why humanism and the Humanist magazine are so important. Won't you
join us today? • KURT VONNEGUT - author, lecturer,
philanthropist and former honorary president of the American Humanist
Association.