What’s in your humanist library?
Supporters of Humanists International share their book recommendations to celebrate World Humanist Day
Supporters of Humanists International share their book recommendations to celebrate World Humanist Day
At Humanists International, we often hear from people who first discovered humanism or decided to get more involved in the global movement after reading a book that really inspired them. To celebrate World Humanist Day, we invited supporters of Humanists International to share their book recommendations with the global community.
You can find the list below, sorted by the author’s surname. You can expand each recommendation to find out more. We will keep adding to the list, as and when we receive new recommendations. To submit yours, simply complete the form at the bottom of the page.
Please note, the recommendations below have been submitted by supporters of Humanists International and have not been selected, reviewed or endorsed by the organization.
Recommended by Craig, Canada
As a senior, white, male, priviledged citizen I know I have to change the way my brain thinks if I am going to live a life which aligns closer to the Amsterdam (Humanist) Declaration of 2022. In part I do this by introducing new ideas and new experiences by reading books or, as I like to say, having a coffee chat with authors. This is one of the books that has helped me along the journey of learning and change.
Recommended by Jacqueline, United States:
This book introduced me to the history of Humanism and today’s opportunities to become more human.
Find out more: https://sarahbakewell.com/books-3/humanly-possible-700-years-of-humanist-freethinking-inquiry-and-hope/
Recommended by Rolf Solheim, Norway
Actually, the first sentence of this book (after Preface) has been important to me as a leader of “classes” at the Norwegian Humanist Confirmation and later when visiting communal schools for talks on humanism on behalf of the Norwegian Humanist Association. Blackham lists reasonable assumptions which I presented in my own way as:
1. We are alone (without special forces/powers above us)
2. We have one life
3. It is our own responsibilityWhile all three points above points may look like a tough burden…
4. We can co-operate with others in solving problems
Recommended by Dermot, United Kingdom:
I loved this book. It’s a wonderful mixture of science, sociology and philosophy that goes a long way into explaining, in well evidenced terms, the reality of human nature. Bregman has a wonderful way with words and uses engaging real life stories to illustrate how popular negative concepts of humanity don’t stand up to scrutiny. A couple of my favourites are the outstanding ability of humans to develop through social learning. Or the investigation of the ‘thin veil of civilization’ as illustrated in the Lord of the Flies that fails to stand up to real world scrutiny. It’s unapologetically optimistic, but it does so with evidence and good humour. Not billed as a humanist text, it came across as something that humanists would most definitely enjoy. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to find that Rutger Bregman is well aligned with humanist beliefs.
Find out more: https://www.rutgerbregman.com/books
Recommended by Carlos Alberto, Mexico
Translation: “Intuition and Reason”
Recommended by Carlos Alberto, Mexico
Recommended by Anthony, United States
I am working on a project regarding Humanist literacy which I hope will launch by the Fall of 2023. That said, I wonder if your recommendation list could incorporate academic articles. If yes, here is my recommendation: https://irstudies.org/index.php/jirs/article/view/819
Recommended by Craig, Canada
As a senior, white, male, priviledged citizen I know I have to change the way my brain thinks if I am going to live a life which aligns closer to the Amsterdam (Humanist) Declaration of 2022. In part I do this by introducing new ideas and new experiences by reading books or, as I like to say, having a coffee chat with authors. This is one of the books that has helped me along the journey of learning and change.
Recommended by Terry, United States:
The endlessly fascinating ruminations of a Renaissance humanist’s humanist. Montaigne puts regard for humankind in the centre of his thinking and uses logic and reason, and a particularly fascinating writing style, to illuminate the human condition in all its ambiguous glory.
Recommended by Steven, United States
A passionate and reasoned defense of the power of reason and the possibility of progress.
Recommended by Morten, Denmark:
All the arguments for being a humanist today. The author is the Humanist chaplain at Harvard University.
Find out more: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/good-without-god-greg-epstein
Recommended by Randall, United States:
This book provides an introduction to the central ideas of Humanism along with how they are expressed in Ethical Culture Societies.
Recommended by Fabian, France:
A fascinating story of how a Jewish girl escapes Jewish orthodox fundamentalism. Offers stunning views into the inside workings of the Hasidic community.
Recommended by Mxolisi, South Africa:
I believe that the critical task we have as humanists is to teach humanity how to love. Religion, racism etc. are obstacles to the message we are trying to teach, while Science, Rationality, Philosophy and Empathy are tools we must use. Erich Fromm (a humanist psychologist)’s book The Art of Loving is one that provides a prediction of what would happen if we (humanists) fail to teach love. Additionally, he illustrates indicators and patterns that we may be running out of time to achieve that goal.
Today, most people would laugh off the idea of love as joke – an epiphenomenon of our erotic drive, but Erich Fromm says love is an art, a practice, much like a sport that a person can learn and can only get better at if they practice it. He will take you on a trip to make you understand why people are being apathetic and hateful towards the various forms of love-based relationships, but he also provides cautionary outline of the harms of enforcing tolerance with state apparatus.
If you never get the chance to read the book, at least take this question with you: What does your idea of a humanist utopia look like if we solved all health, stratification and poverty problems lost the ability to love in the process – Would that world be worth living in? For me, it took me into an obsessive concern about mankind’s future, and a deep dive onto books about the topic most notably the fiction classic Brave New World and Pierre Teilhard de Chardin’s The Future of Man. (His works inspired one of modern humanism’s founding fathers, Sir Julian Huxley)
Recommended by Carlos Alberto, Mexico
Recommended by Sam, Ireland:
A virtuoso performance in the dying art of rational argument. Logical, persuasive and deeply humane.
Recommended by Carlos Alberto, Mexico
Recommended by Carly, United States:
It’s a children’s book that explains the basics of humanism in a really accessible way. It can be especially helpful for kids who are starting to get questions from their peers like, “If you don’t believe in God, what do you believe?” You can check it out here. Also, through the Translations Project, you can access free downloadable versions of the book, available in Arabic, Urdu, Bahasa Indonesia and Farsi.
Recommended by Mark, United States:
In this essay, psychologist Haley analyzes the new testament gospels to show that JC was really seeking power, and anticipated other revolutionaries like Lenin. I find this to be the most persuasive interpretation of that source and I hope to write a book based on this after I finish the one I’m working on now.
Recommended by Fabian, France:
A classical work, by one of the four horsemen of New Atheism. Demonstrates how much power religion has on the human mind, and argues that this power is sometimes used for dangerous outcomes.
Recommended by Dave, United Kingdom:
This book helped me sort out my thoughts on religion in a positive way and how I had been hoodwinked by religion. It made my decision to become a humanist so much easier.
Recommended by Craig, Canada
As a senior, white, male, priviledged citizen I know I have to change the way my brain thinks if I am going to live a life which aligns closer to the Amsterdam (Humanist) Declaration of 2022. In part I do this by introducing new ideas and new experiences by reading books or, as I like to say, having a coffee chat with authors. This is one of the books that has helped me along the journey of learning and change.
Recommended by Michael, United States
Not a strong enough ending here, I think. But the opening half is dynamite. Necessary dynamite.
Recommended by Fabian, France:
This book argues that the very foundations of Islam (the Quran and the life of the prophet) may be the root for the violent interpretations of the faith.
Recommended by Carlos Alberto, Mexico
Recommended by Robert, Portugal
Translation: “Humanism and Reason”. Six articles by JP van Praag, TT ten Have, Albert Daan, Libbe van der Wal, HJ Blackham and H Bonger.
Recommended by Craig, Canada
As a senior, white, male, priviledged citizen I know I have to change the way my brain thinks if I am going to live a life which aligns closer to the Amsterdam (Humanist) Declaration of 2022. In part I do this by introducing new ideas and new experiences by reading books or, as I like to say, having a coffee chat with authors. This is one of the books that has helped me along the journey of learning and change.
Recommended by Tom, Republic of Ireland
Epicurus, with his philosophy of kindness and simple cure of the fear of death, has claims to be the father of Humanism; this book was written on a Greek island by a retired American gentleman. It is a book of gentle wisdom on how to conduct one’s life, act with compassion, and especially how to grow old gracefully. Short and sweet- beautiful holiday reading- best read and appreciated with a cool glass of ouzo on the little island of Hydra. The greatest wisdom is the wisdom to use your wisdom well… to quote Epicurus himself “it is not the young man who should be considered fortunate, but the old man who has lived well, because the young man in his prime wanders much by chance, vacillating in his beliefs, whilst the old man has docked in the harbour, having safeguarded his true happiness.”
Recommended by Craig, Canada
As a senior, white, male, priviledged citizen I know I have to change the way my brain thinks if I am going to live a life which aligns closer to the Amsterdam (Humanist) Declaration of 2022. In part I do this by introducing new ideas and new experiences by reading books or, as I like to say, having a coffee chat with authors. This is one of the books that has helped me along the journey of learning and change.
Recommended by Carlos Alberto, Mexico
Translation: “The Origin of Life”
Recommended by Jacqueline, United States:
This book was my intro to effective altruism and subsequently to Humanism
Recommended by Ebrahim, Iran:
The content of the Atheism for Beginners book is a brief history of the philosophy of atheism and the developments that have occurred over the years for the thought of atheism, it also examines atheism as a historical and cultural movement, which includes historical writings on atheism.
Recommended by Randall, United States:
Does exactly what the title says. Traces doubt from early religious traditions up through contemporary society. Very absorbing and insightful.
Recommended by Fabian, France:
A very short, but to-the-point book that refutes the most common arguments for the existence of god. Interesting also because it comes from the Muslim perspective. Very clear and powerful.
Recommended by Fabian, France:
The amazing true story of an Islamist who becomes a Muslim humanist. Fascinating because it shows how Islamists think and what makes Islamism attractive. Fascinating also for the remarkable turn that the author’s life took, towards a humanist interpretation of his religion.
Recommended by Fabian, France:
One of the first works (from the 18th century) that systematically dissects Christianity. A highly enjoyable read by a very multi-faceted personality: Thomas Paine participated first the American Independence movement and then the French Revolution.
Recommended by Craig, Canada
As a senior, white, male, priviledged citizen I know I have to change the way my brain thinks if I am going to live a life which aligns closer to the Amsterdam (Humanist) Declaration of 2022. In part I do this by introducing new ideas and new experiences by reading books or, as I like to say, having a coffee chat with authors. This is one of the books that has helped me along the journey of learning and change.
Recommended by Fabian, France:
A quintessential work that shows that life did not actually become worse in recent centuries, but much better. Humanity has advanced tremendously over the past centuries not only in terms of technology, but also in terms of health, equality, peace, justice, knowledge, and even happiness. Steven Pinker traces this progress back to the values of the Enlightenment (a scientific world view, Humanist ethics, education, etc.) and argues that this is where we should seek human betterment — not in religion.
Recommended by Gary, United States:
An excellent summary of how humanity is making progress per evidence-based data and of how humanism plays a major role in the mix with reason and science to produce our progress.
Find out more: https://stevenpinker.com/publications/enlightenment-now-case-reason-science-humanism-and-progress
Recommended by Fabian, France:
An all-round work on the importance (and scarcity) of rational thinking. The book argues that rationality is an important tool for achieving more prosperity for humanity. It then shows how humans (knowingly or unknowingly) fail to reason correctly.
Find out more: https://stevenpinker.com/publications/rationality-what-it-why-it-seems-so-scarce-and-why-it-matters
Recommend by Vincent, Netherlands:
Het boek beschrijft een persoonlijk onderzoek naar waarden, een filosofische zoektocht naar de belangrijkste vragen van het bestaan. Het speelt zich af in de jaren ’70 van de vorige eeuw. Het is opgebouwd uit enerzijds een beschrijving van belevenissen, tijdens een lange motortocht met zijn zoon Chris van Minnesota naar Californië. Anderzijds worden tegelijkertijd tal van humane en filosofische bespiegelingen fijnmazig besproken, vaak gekoppeld aan persoonlijke gebeurtenissen uit heden en verleden. Het basisthema is de definitie van “kwaliteit” en de invloed die het heeft op het dagelijks bestaan.
Translation:
The book describes a personal investigation into values, a philosophical search for the most important questions of existence. It takes place in the 1970s. On the one hand, it consists of a description of experiences during a long motorcycle trip with his son Chris from Minnesota to California. On the other hand, numerous human and philosophical reflections are discussed in detail at the same time, often linked to personal events from the past and present. The basic theme is the definition of “quality” and the influence it has on daily existence.
Recommended by Craig, Canada
As a senior, white, male, priviledged citizen I know I have to change the way my brain thinks if I am going to live a life which aligns closer to the Amsterdam (Humanist) Declaration of 2022. In part I do this by introducing new ideas and new experiences by reading books or, as I like to say, having a coffee chat with authors. This is one of the books that has helped me along the journey of learning and change.
Recommended by Petros, Greece:
A mid 20th century humanist book by a world renowned humanist.
Recommended by Carlos Alberto, Mexico
Recommended by Jacqueline, United States:
This book and his charity of the same name convinced me to be more careful in choosing ways to help those who are in need.
Recommended by Bridget, Ireland
When I was 16 I was a committed Roman Catholic – that was in the days of Archbishop Oscar Romero and Liberation Theology based on the mantra of Fr. Gustavo Gutiérrez’ dictum: “To know God is to do justice.” So there was a rationale to my stance. However that same year I studied Shelley’s lyric poem ‘Prometheus Unbound’ – not an easy read. The nugget of wisdom I took from that was that in the unlikely event of an omnipotent god existing he was at best a total incompetent but more likely a tyrant worthy only of disdain. In the subsequent 54 years I have never encountered an argument that beats that one.
Recommended by Fabian, France:
Offers an atheist and Humanist view on life, the universe, ethics, truth, and the meaning of life. It also discusses the history, the functioning, the tenets, the diversity, the benefits, and the liabilities of the major world religions. It thus aims to be a handbook of “what the educated atheist has to know”.
Recommended by Craig, Canada
Recommended by Robert, Portugal
Translation: “Problems of Moral Appreciation”.
Supporters of Humanists International are welcome to send in their recommendations by completing the form below.