What is one of the central tenets of humanism?

Humanism fundamentally emphasizes the importance of human reason and ethical considerations in understanding the world and guiding human behavior. This philosophical stance prioritizes human dignity, critical thinking, and the potential for individual and collective growth through rational insight and ethical action. In humanism, there is a strong belief that humans are capable of making meaningful and ethical decisions based on reason rather than specific religious doctrines or divine revelations.

This perspective contrasts with ideologies that center on faith in divine revelations or submission to a higher cosmic order, which are not aligned with humanistic viewpoints. Instead, humanism encourages individuals to regard themselves and their experiences as the basis for moral and ethical understanding, fostering an appreciation for human capabilities rather than reliance on supernatural beliefs. The association of reverence for nature as a religious idol, while present in some philosophical and spiritual traditions, does not encapsulate the core of humanism, which is rooted in rational thought and ethical life without necessitating any form of idolization or divinity.