On the occasion of World Humanist Day, Frieder Otto Wolf, President of the Humanist Association of Germany, pleaded today in Berlin for modern practical humanism, with all its diversity of philosophies, attitudes and viewpoints, to be made visible as an opportunity that can be seized by many people. The practice of mindfulness and respect in one’s own way of life, the development of common orientations as well as individual meaning in life, the advocacy of a humanization of all areas of life and the solidary defence of humane minima for all people – humanism becomes visible in this diverse practice, Wolf emphasized. “In a present that is characterized by ongoing social and economic conflicts, crises and escalations, we should therefore take the time on this day to remember the encouraging experiences we have had with perspectives that unite people and the possibilities for action that they share.” However, humanistically-minded people are not only connected by their shared experiences and needs, but often also by similar hopes and shared concerns, Wolf continued. It is therefore important to develop these in debates and discussions and to seek solutions. In this sense, more and more people around the world are coming together to work on the changes needed to secure peace between societies, preserve the planetary biosphere and further develop human cultures and their communities. World Humanist Day offers an important opportunity to strengthen the forces thus created. Both for joint reflection and reassurance about urgent demands or to launch the forces and alliances that can initiate the necessary changes even in difficult times, as well as to celebrate what has already been achieved. “But we know that in reality, at all times, human thought and action form the crucial eye of the needle through which all historical changes must ‘pass’. As a civil society organization, this is where we have to start again and again. Because the potential of a culture of enlightenment and humanist practice that grows through the passionate commitment of people is far from exhausted,” emphasized Wolf. For this reason alone, it is important that people oriented towards humanist and emancipatory values, who practice and represent rational, undogmatic, sensitive and unprejudiced thinking, can continue to come together and organize themselves in projects in the future. World Humanist Day offers some good conditions for this. In Wolf’s view, it would therefore be a benefit if it were also used and publicly recognized in Germany as a prominent point of reference for humanist culture and practice. “We should take this opportunity every year to celebrate what has already been achieved in humanist and humanistic terms. It is our common aim to change things for the better on this small speck of dust in the universe and to gather our strength to continue to offer effective resistance to reactionary forces in the future.
As organized humanists, we want to find and develop worthwhile and humane alternatives with those who are still searching for solidarity, orientation and serious meaning.”
