Humanism has been demonized frequently by its opponents. As a proponent of humanism, I would like to defend its proud history and lofty ideals based on the Enlightenment, Liberalism, and Progressivism. Humanism admires the human potential for true greatness through reasoning. We believe that humans have the ability to intellectually resolve social, moral, and political problems to the benefit of the individual and the community. This optimistic view of human nature was first proposed by the ancient Greeks, who questioned the belief that supernatural forces governed human activities. Protagoras around 450 BCE wrote, "Man is the measure of all things. As for gods, I do not know whether they exist or not. Life is too short for such difficult inquiries." Later, Epicures taught that death is neither a reward nor a punishment but simply a natural event. He wrote, "Become accustomed to the belief that death is nothing to us. For all good and evil consist in sensation, and death is the deprivation of sensation."

The Renaissance declared that humans with the use of reason were their own authority in the formation of knowledge, tastes, and beliefs. Ancient dogma such as "the earth is flat," and "the sun rotates around the earth" were abandoned with the Age of the Renaissance beginning in the 15th century. This was the first stage of the cultural evolution which led to the reestablishment of ancient Greek humanism.

The Enlightenment had its theoretical roots in Europe with the thoughts and writings of Hume, Locke, and Voltaire but its practical roots are in the United States with the optimism of George Washington, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and Thomas Paine. The Enlightenment was concerned about the nature of the universe, the nature of humans, and the relationship of the two. The human relationship to the indifferent universe can be discovered only through reason. Only the human mind can determine moral values and build better societies.

The Enlightenment encouraged confidence in an orderly universe and optimism in human nature. The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution exemplify our founder's faith in humans to govern themselves with reason. At the end of the Revolution, George Washington said: "The foundation of our empire was not laid in the gloomy age of ignorance and superstition, but at an epoch when the rights of mankind were better understood and more clearly defined than at any former period."

Liberalism, the political philosophy that promotes a fair and decent society, is based on reason, liberty and equality. James Madison and Alexander Hamilton, influenced by the writings of John Locke, envisioned this nation as a republican social culture, and a democratic political culture with a strong national government supporting diversity, prosperity, and opportunity. Future presidents Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and John F. Kennedy continued to govern from a liberal stance urging a highly productive society with a strong federal government assuring economic security for all.

A Liberal democracy promotes decency, privacy, and tolerance. Liberalism works toward excellence in public education, public safety, and a moral society. Liberals expect fair wages for workers, honesty in business, and transparency in government. A Liberal government taxes according to ability to pay, is the employer of last resort, and ensures domestic peace and international security.

Progressivism, the political philosophy aimed at furthering the enhancement of a republican culture, envisions a society absent a privileged class and royalty. Progressives encourage government to develop a social conscience concerned with the economic plight of the under privileged. President Theodore Roosevelt was a 19th century icon for political progressives, Lincoln Steffens a journalist icon, Upton Sinclair the novelist representative, and John Dewey the theoretician for progressive education.

Progressive legislation included the Sherman Antitrust Act intended to breakup corporate monopolies, the Pure Food and Drug Act designed to protect consumers from tainted goods, and the Interstate Commerce Commission established to stop the gouging of consumers. Free public education promised increased learning opportunity, latent talent development, and social equality for each individual.

The moral compass for humanism is the Rousseau social contract theory of voluntary agreement among people to respect human rights and natural law.

Today humanism proudly continues to extol the human virtues, social values, and political principles historically espoused by the Enlightenment, Liberalism, and Progressivism.

--Flo Wineriter