Press Release

Nobel Laureates and Other Notables
Release Humanist Manifesto III

(Washington, D.C., April 21, 2003) Today the American Humanist Association proudly releases Humanism and Its Aspirations, a successor document to the movement-initiating Humanist Manifesto of 1933, and to Humanist Manifesto II which made headline news worldwide in 1973.

In signing this landmark document, 19 Nobel laureates join celebrities such as Oliver Stone, the “Amazing” Randi, and Kurt Vonnegut, as well as influential thinkers including Janet Jeppson Asimov, Bill Baird, Richard Dawkins, Vashti McCollum, Katha Pollitt, and Edward O. Wilson.

“This document marks a distinct evolution of thought. It succinctly details a positive and personal Humanism, one that will more clearly resonate with the general public,” said, Tony Hileman, executive director of the American Humanist Association.

Fred Edwords, chair of the Drafting Committee, the voice of Humanism on many radio and television programs, and editor of the Humanist magazine added, “This new manifesto gives more emphasis to compassion as the motivating force behind the Humanist commitment to reason. It therefore expresses the fullness of what it means to be human.”

The document treats the subjects of how we understand the world, how the world works, the source and nature of ethics, finding meaning in life, and working toward social justice.

With this release the American Humanist Association is calling on all likeminded individuals dedicated to a better future to add their signatures. As the document declares, “We aspire to this vision with the informed conviction that humanity has the ability to progress toward its highest ideals. The responsibility for our lives and the kind of world in which we live is ours and ours alone.”

The public is invited to see it and sign it at: www.AmericanHumanist.org

Speeches from the Press Conference, April 21, 2003:
Fred Edwords
Tony Hileman
Roy Speckhardt
Maddy Urken