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Isaac Asimov

Posted on January 2, 2014 by David

Isaac Asimov and Humanism

In 1984, Isaac Asimov was named “Humanist of the Year” by the American Humanist Association.  He was one of the world’s most prolific writers by writing over 500 books and over 9,000 letters.  Following are several quotes by him which I gathered from multiple sources.

The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom.

The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not “Eureka!” but That’s funny …” Read more about Isaac Asimov »

The Morning After the Night Before

Posted on December 23, 2013 by David

I just came across this version of  “The Night Before Christmas” written as a parody and celebrating the Court decision of Kitzmiller v. Dover that established the unconstitutionality of teaching Intelligent Design (ID).  Josh Rosneau and Glenn Branch are with the National Center for Science Education.  I found this originally in an NPR.org article and the original was a Facebook post by the Center. Read more about The Morning After the Night Before »

The Humanist Celebrant Marriage Course

Posted on December 22, 2013 by David

A few years ago I had decided that I would like to apply to The Humanist Society, part of the American Humanist Association (AHA), to become a celebrant.  Celebrants officiate at public events that usher the participants from one role in society to another.  The most common of these are weddings and funerals, but may also include new-borns, or coming of age milestones or thresholds.  A Humanist Celebrant will officiate at these celebrations in a way that the participants’ humanity is celebrated without resorting to supernatural refer Read more about The Humanist Celebrant Marriage Course »

Humanism, Humanities, and Humanity

Posted on December 20, 2013 by David

To me, Humanism uses the Humanities to help Humanity.  (That’s an original as far as I know.)  With that definition, I would like to present two quotes from the humanities, history and literature, and use them together to try to develop some compassion for the vulnerables in our present-day society.

George Santayana, a philosopher, essayist, poet and novelist is quoted as saying, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”  Read more about Humanism, Humanities, and Humanity »

An Interview with Spinoza on His Excommunication

Posted on December 19, 2013 by David

(The following is a combination of storytelling and a new genre called creative non-fiction.  Although the facts in the story are true and based on research, the dialogues and scenes are made up.)

An interview with Baruch Spinoza on his excommunication:

INTERVIEWER:  Bento, or do you prefer to be called Baruch, could you tell us your first thoughts when you heard about your excommunication? Read more about An Interview with Spinoza on His Excommunication »

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