• Humanism is the belief that we can live good lives without religious or superstitious beliefs. Humanists make sense of the world using reason, experience and shared human values. We seek to make the best of the one life we have by creating meaning and purpose for ourselves. We take responsibility for our actions and work with others for the common good.



• Humanism is an approach to life based on humanity and reason. Humanists recognize that moral values are properly founded on human nature and experience alone. Our decisions are based on the available evidence and our assessment of the likely outcome of our actions, not on any dogma or sacred text.



• Humanists are all good atheists, in the sense that none actually believes in any kind of god or supernatural existence. Some prefer to say they are agnostic (open-minded) rather than atheist in their disbelief. Humanism has room for atheists and agnostics alike.



• Humanists are secularists - meaning that they think religious belief and practice should be private for those who want it but should have no place or influence in public life. Religious institutions should be left to run their own affairs. Church and State should be separated.



• Humanists believe in individual rights and freedoms but also believe that responsibility, social co-operation and mutual respect are just as important.



• Humanists believe that people can and will continue to find solutions to the world’s problems so that the quality of life can be improved for everyone. Humanism is an optimistic outlook. We can do it.



• Humanists are positive. We gain inspiration from our lives, from art and culture, and from the rich diversity of the natural world. Humanists believe that we have only this one life. It is up to us to make it a good life, to live it to the full and to be happy with it.