Humanism's Effect on Society

For centuries a concept known as Humanism has been growing and evolving. This concept has roots stretching as far back as the early years of the European Renaissance. Humanism is a philisophical concept that emphasizes the "human, the here-and-now, the humane", (Pg 1, Humanism). In its early years one of Humanism's main themes was man's creation in the image and likeness of God, (pg 33 The Waning of the Renaissance.) During this period of time Humanism had a more "God focused" purpose, but in its evolution Humanism has become more of an agnostic concept. "The word has developed since its use to describe 'Renaissance Humanism' to its twentieth century use to describe a belief system that calls upon reason and values to enable us to deelop our lives and our societies," (pg 1 Humanism). According to Jim Herrick in his book, Humanism: An Introduction, current day Humanism is "atheism/agnosticism with values", (pg 2 Humanism). Since the the Renaissance to current times Humanism has never been a religion, but simply a philosophy of life. Humanists are inquirers of the world, and "question existing ideas and quests for new ones", (pg 4 Humanism). Humanists also have a sense of social duty. An educationalist at the University of Padua stated: "Not everyone is called to be a lawyer, a physician, a philosopher, to live in the public eye, nor has everyone outstanding gifts of natural capacity, but all of us are created for the life of social duty, all are resposible for the personal influence which goes forth from us," (pgs 6-7 Humanism). It is because of this social duty that Humanists feel called to, that regardless of Humanism's evolution from a God centered concept to a godless one, much of man's developement as a people has been brought to be because of the philosophy of Humanism. Throughout the centuries Humanists have constantly voiced their opinions in society and work to make a more equal society for everyone. Their views have influenced many different aspects of