Is it possible to base US system on a philosophy of humanism?

Question

To teach people to be open to change and continued growth and learning. To constantly seek cultural personal growth and development. Would it be possible to have most of the society reach the level of self-actualization, to reform society where we all care about each other? Can we become a society of highly motivated and self-directed learner?

Answer 1

Unless humanism is defined as to what people will do to each other if they have the power, no.

Answer 2

I've got news for you -- the US system *is* based on humanism. Many of the "founding fathers" (such as Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson) described themselves as "humanist" and lived that philosophy. The things they put in our founding documents (constitution, declaration of independence) such as "inalienable rights", seperation of church and state, power to govern resting in the hands of the governed -- these are all humanist concepts.

Unfortunately, those concepts are frequently abused and ignored by political parties, religious groups, special-interest groups, etc. And the system set up by those humanists who founded our country allows them the freedom to do so. :(

Answer 3

If you want the government officials to be humanists, then vote that way.

If you want to force "humanism" down the throats of all of the people, then I'd say you're looking for some kind of totalitarianism. Good luck.

"Teach, ........ reform ........" the watch-words of social engineers.

Answer 4

I doubt it. What you just described is the ideal form of socialism. We are too tied up in uncaring capitalism.

Answer 5

I suppose you could if you showed there's good profits to be made!