Humanists are not bound by a creed, but our attitudes and opinions reflect a character that is distinctive.
Most Humanists advocate:
A non-grandiose philosophy that is based on rational scrutiny, empirical evidence, and scientific investigation.... We ... are content to take an indifferent universe and put a little human compassion into it.
A secular orientation that focuses on this world not another.... We aren't disheartened by thinking that personality ceases at death. We value it all the more.
An ethical awareness that is grounded upon humane values. We favour personal privacy over intrusive legislation and choice over coercion out of a basic regard for the integrity of the individual.
A generational perspective that is thankful for whatever good has been inherited from past generations, assimilates it, enriches it, purifies it, and in gratitude passes on this legacy and wholesome planetary home to future generations.
A personal quest for self-understanding that embraces open-minded inquiry, open-hearted compassion, open-spirited playfulness.
A comprehensive attitude that has "the serenity to accept what cannot be changed, the courage to change what can, and the wisdom to know the difference".
A poetic sensibility that lets us appreciate myth as myth and poetry as poetry, even as we draw upon cultural traditions found in all ages and across the globe.
An avoidance of harm that takes seriously the elimination of needless human suffering.
A commitment to human diversity that combats discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, and ethnicity.
A sense of humour that helps us keep things in perspective through self-deprecating laughter and a poignant affection for the bitter sweet of life; we mock our own short-comings.
