Humanist Manifesto 2000: A Call for New Planetary Humanism

Human ethics based on reason...what an idea! Well written, well-argued.(Also read "The End of Faith" by Sam Harris.) Let's hope we're evolving toward this.

I am confused by some of the reviews. Many seem to think that their not agreeing with a philosophy is grounds to say that you should not read this book. I find that rather upsetting. I would not say that the Bible is a bad book just because I don't believe in god. Unfortunatly, now that I have said this, the same type of people who wrote the reviews I speak of will give me bad ratings because they do not agree with what I say, not based on the content of my review.The bottom line is, if you are interested in learning more about Humanism, whether to defend or attack it, this is the book for you, it gives a good summary of the Humanist view of things, in a short and to the point pamphlet. But when you are reading, please remember, just because you do not agree with me is no reason to insult my character, and it is same with this book.

This is a small but thought provoking book that deserves wider attention than it will undoubtedly get.Humanist Manifesto is a summary of a humanist based ethical system that could be used to guide our actions in putting our species into a more peaceful and just course of action. Kurtz' organizes the principle clearly and they are compelling. Little argument is marshalled, wisely leaving the reader to figure out how it could be implemented, both in his own life and that of society as a whole. Yes, it is idealistic and envisions worldwide institutions to support improvements, but the vision is so clear and simple that the reader can actually believe that much maligned scientific naturalism could be the basis for a compelling ethical system.Excellent for humanists who may need to be reminded that their chosen life view is a powerful tool for changing the world for the better, as well as for those who do not share that world view and need an introduction to a positive ethical framework.Highly recommended!

.........I can't think of a better book to learn the primary tenets of Humanism than this manifesto presented by Paul Kurtz. He traces the history of Modern Humanism's development, starting with its origins during the Renaissance. He introduces us to the four major Humanist Manifestoes that have been written in the 20th century: Humanist Manifest I, Humanist Manifesto II, A Secular Humanist Declaration, and A Declaration of Interdependence all of which highlight the most critical of Humanist principles. Kurtz than introduces us to the idea of "Planetary Humanism" as he acknowledges the changes that must come to Humanist philosophy as our world changes. Humanism still holds dear its basic tenets: commitments to improving the lives of all people, improving our environment and guaranteeing that it will be preserved, etc., but Kurtz adds, that with the rapid development of technology, we can offer greater scientific knowledge to the benefit of even more people (in the form of medicines, improving the quality of the environment, the transmission of information). Kurtz proposes a "Planetary Bill of Rights" that reflects these modern commitments to humanity and our planet that bring Humanism's truly egalitarian principles into the 21st century. My impression upon reading this book is that Humanism provides us with an ever-evolving philosophy of how to live and treat each other fairly. Humanist leaders exercise foresight and seek out the newest knowledge that they wish to apply for the benefit for all of mankind without discrimination. Humanism shuns stagnation and despises the notion of slipping backward and not using our every resource and knowledge to better our precious world and its people. True Humanists do not get bogged down in old ideas that no longer work and they fearlessly let go of the baggage of many of today's religions that offer simple yet quite ineffective answers to solving our planetary problems.This book is a great read for those seeking to learn about the Humanist movement, right up to its most current thought. If you are not familiar with Humanism, but are open-minded, you will derive a great deal from this book. It left me with a very positive impression and a desire to learn even more about Humanism!

This book is a great base for those who do not wish to receive the torment of organized religion forcing individuals to accept their faith or become a bane to society. Within it are numerous example of how to lead a non-religous life while still embrace morality and tolerance. I reccomend this book to anyone who wishes to find an outlet to repressed opinions and didnt know how to properly express them or would like to know more about being a humanist.