Could somebody please help explain what Humanism is?

Question

I read some of the Wikipedia article but it's a little complicated. Could someone give me the basics.

Answer 1

Humanism is the belief that we control our own destiny and could care less about God and His plans for us.

This is a rather straight forward explaination with a bit of an example included.

http://www.xenos.org/essays/humnsm.htm

Answer 2

As you can tell from some of the answers, whatever it is, it scares religious fanatics.
If I had to sum it up I'd say it's the realization that there's a lot more to us than some would have you think.
We are inherently capable of constructing a REAL morality, using reason, that benefits us.
We can use reason to solve our problems. (Imagine that, taking responsibility for what we are instead of pretending we're so stupid some god has to set the rules.)
The core of it? That we can damn well be rational if we've a mind to, especially about how we treat each other..

Answer 3

First off, Humanism isn't a religion, its a philosophy.

The most basic explanation for humanism is a way of living your life with respect for others and making your decisions based on what would benefit and/or result in minimal consequences for society.

Answer 4

Humanism, at least the psychology definition, is the basic assumption that all people are born good. If they don't turn out as a good adult, it is because somewhere along the way society failed them and screwed them up. That is oversimplified, but hopefully it helps you get started

Answer 5

uwhen u feeling like live the life n lets other to live is known as humanism i think

Answer 6

Putting your faith in man, and the things of man, not God.

Also - believing man is sufficient for our problems rather than God.