The Best of Humanism

by Roger E. Greeley (Editor)

In the absence of a concept of "God," the Humanist does not ask, "Is there life after death?" but rather, "Is there authentic life before death?" Can we become inner-directed, self-motivated, responsible individuals, here and now?

This question has been answered in the affirmative by Humanist philosophers throughout history. In this compilation of quotations, Roger E. Greeley lets the words of prominent Humanists speak for themselves. Here, questions about human nature, immortality, the unknown, faith, reason, free will, and more are addressed by Albert Camus, John Stuart Mill, Robert Green Ingersoll, Bertrand Russell, Paul Kurtz, and a host of other renowned Humanists. This outstanding collection is unique in that it represents the Humanist viewpoint on a number of fascinating issues.

This volume provides compelling evidence for the worth of Humanism and is indispensable to those who wish to communicate effectively the values that stand in place of a God concept as a positive governor in the conduct of life. It is required reading for a fuller understanding of the history and philosophy of contemporary Humanist thought.

"Where Humanists stand today," writes Greeley, "requires an examination of how we got where we are . . . If we view Humanism as a dynamic continuum, it behooves each and every contemporary Humanist to be knowledgeable about our past, the great spokespeople, and their contributions."

175 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 1988

Reviews

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A VARIED COLLECTION OF WRITINGS WITH A GENERAL "HUMANIST" THEME

At the time this book was published in 1988, Roger Greeley had served as Unitarian minister at the People's Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan, since 1957. He has also edited books such as 'The Best of Robert Ingersoll,' 'Thomas Jefferson's Freethought Legacy,' etc.

Greeley offers introductions to the selections from writers such as Clarence Darrow; Thomas Henry Huxley; Bertrand Russell; Albert Camus; Antony Flew; Julian Huxley; Robert Ingersoll; Schopenhauer; Mark Twain; Albert Ellis; Sidney Hook; Paul Kurtz; Corliss Lamont; H.L. Mencken; John Stuart Mill; George Eliot; Erich Fromm; Robert Browning; Sherwin Wine (the Humanistic Judaism founder; several selections of his are included); Epicurus; Eric Hoffer; John Dewey; Charles Darwin, etc. The selections are presented in sections labeled All About 'God'; Death and Immortality; Emotion and Aesthetics; Ethics; Happiness; Human Nature; Naturalism; Reason and Rationality; Religion; and Science and the Scientific Method.

Greeley states before the chapter on God, "Often, in looking back, Humanists are very negative in describing what remains for some an ennobling and hopeful concept. Should not Humanists be recognized by what they can affirm, by their conduct of life, and by their contribution to enlightenment here and now, rather than by the quality of their debunking?... too often Humanists have stalled out in their negative rebellion against the religion or church of their formative years. The challenge to Humanists is to be able to communicate effectively the values that stand in place of a God concept but which serve as an affirmative governor of their conduct of life." (Pg. 19)

In his introduction to the section on Immortality, Greeley says, "Historically, religion has been preoccupied with the impossible task of seeking to outwit death. The question that Humanists ask is not, 'Do we live again?'... No, Humanists ask, 'Is there authentic life before death?'" (Pg. 56) Before the section on Emotion and Aesthetics, he observes, "Humanism has yet to develop arts that are uniquely Humanist. Often we have used music from classical composers---or even hymnists---and substituted lyrics more palatable to Humanist thought. We have done this out of desperation, recognizing the void in Humanist aesthetics. The 'new wine in old bottles' approach is better than nothing, but it is far from ideal. The challenge to create a Humanist aesthetics remains." (Pg. 72)

This is a very diverse collection from a wide variety of writers; and Greeley's introductions are very pertinent. My only objection is that, although the book has a Bibliography, he does not give the specific citation (e.g., book, chapter, page number) that his quotations are taken from.

[Matt McCormick · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a self-described Humanist I was disappointed in this collection of essays. Often redundant and seldom informative the assembled writing failed to make a persuasive case for why humanism is the best philosophical stance for any member of our world community to embrace. Many of the entries seemed almost apologetic in a manner meant to avoid offense.

I did benefit in this reading by being introduced to Robert Green Ingersoll. I also appreciated Paul Kurtz's Affirmations. I never tire of reading Russell, Lippmann or d'Holbach.