What made me write this article was the pure hate I received on Freethinkers International in rating of my article that promotes humanism in its purest form. Therefore promoting the well-being of every single individual. Let’s get into bitter reality. Being LGBTQ+, atheist, or freethinker doesn’t mean you are a humanist.
Of course, making judgments from a part of the whole entity is a fallacy par excellence. It is close to anecdotal evidence. So let’s make it clear, it was just an inspiration for this enormously complex problem.
I am certainly aware that my blog is highly intellectually oriented. So please, if you are among readers who don’t have to read it, kindly skip it. This article is primarily intended for Freethinkers International’s readers.
When you suffer, it doesn’t mean you are better or a humanist
As of 2024, over 70 countries still have laws criminalizing same-sex relationship. The penalties ranging from fines to life imprisonment and even death. In many places, LGBTQ individuals lack legal protections against discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations.
LGBTQ individuals often face stigma, bullying, and violence. Hate crimes against them, including assaults and murders, are still common in many parts of the world.
Many LGBTQ individuals experience rejection from their families. This leads to higher rates of homelessness and mental health issues among LGBTQ youth.
The individuals are at higher risk for mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, often due to the stress of discrimination and social rejection.
Stigma and discrimination in healthcare settings can prevent LGBTQ individuals from accessing the care they need.
One would say all of this suffering can make you more humane. Completely wrong! Freethinkers, atheists, and LGBTQ people, despite their discrimination, may be slightly above average in normal distribution when it comes to being a humanist, which is very dire.
Why they are somehow better?
Studies have shown that LGBTQ individuals are more likely to be secular or non-religious if we compare it to the general population. Given that humanism is often associated with secularism, there is a potential overlap.
LGBTQ individuals, through their personal experiences, may be more inclined to question traditional norms and beliefs. Those include religious doctrines that are often opposed to LGBTQ identities. This questioning aligns with the humanist approach of critical thinking and skepticism of dogma.
Surveys such as those conducted by the Pew Research Center have found that LGBTQ adults are less likely to affiliate with religious institutions and more likely to identify as atheist, agnostic, or “nothing in particular.” This trend toward secularism can correlate with humanist beliefs.
Idealizing LGBTQ or Jews and the death penalty
I have a short story to tell. I won’t disclose the name of the ggiven person because I consider her on par with disgusting persons such as Karel Vaš.
She is genetically Jewish, yet culturally Czech. She was a dissident and currently is a scholar. However, when Jews due to huge propaganda became popular, she somehow connected to this identity.
Adolf Hitler wasn’t hateful compared to this lady (she wishes that everybody who disagrees with her should be imprisoned). But why I am telling this story? Because she identified with this group, she kind of became awoken. Despite her education, she realized (while in enormous shock) the obvious thing – Jews are normal people – with all flaws and assets.
I use these affiliations as a necessity because people use them. If I could, I would erase all national identities.
So we idealized Jews, some people idealize the LGBTQ people. They are different, brave, and therefore moral.
LGBTQ people tend to be more liberal. Yet huge portion of them stand for the death penalty and other issues that don’t go well with being a humanist.
Anecdotal evidence from LGBTQ community forums, social media, and advocacy groups suggests a range of opinions on the death penalty. While institutional voices like the HRC often oppose the death penalty, individual LGBTQ people may have diverse views based on personal experiences, religious beliefs, and cultural backgrounds.
While comprehensive statistics specifically detailing LGBTQ support or opposition to the death penalty are limited, broader surveys and studies suggest that LGBTQ individuals, who often hold progressive views, may be less likely to support the death penalty compared to the general population. However, like any demographic, there is diversity in opinions, and some LGBTQ individuals may indeed support the death penalty.
History of humanism. Europeans and Americans are more likely to be humanists
I really don’t want to sound superior. I may have been born in the poorest country with a horrible culture that is hateful to its core. No prospects, corruption everywhere you go, and oppression by the powers (the sole superpower; the USA; France, China, and so on).
By the chance of luck, I was born in the Czech Republic with all the assets and flaws. And while I consider myself nationless, it was undoubtedly Europe that brought humanism alive.
Influential figures like Petrarch, Erasmus, and Thomas More were pivotal in this movement. The invention of the printing press in the mid-15th century played a crucial role in disseminating humanist ideas. It made literature and scholarly works more accessible to a broader audience.
The Enlightenment and humanism
The Enlightenment of the 17th and 18th centuries further expanded humanist principles, advocating for reason, science, and individual rights. Philosophers such as John Locke, Voltaire, and Immanuel Kant argued for rational thought, secular governance, and the importance of human dignity. This era also saw the rise of the scientific revolution, which emphasized empirical evidence and the scientific method, reinforcing the humanist belief in progress through knowledge.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, modern humanism evolved into a more secular and atheistic movement. Thinkers like John Stuart Mill, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Bertrand Russell contributed significantly to its development. During this period, humanist organizations emerged, promoting secularism, education, and ethical living without reliance on religious doctrines. Modern humanism continued to advocate for human rights, social justice, and the betterment of society through reason and evidence.
European elites and humanism
Europe’s reputation for being more humane compared to other regions can be attributed to a confluence of historical, cultural, and political factors. The Enlightenment’s legacy profoundly influenced European values, instilling principles of reason, science, and human rights. These principles laid the foundation for modern democratic institutions and humanitarian frameworks that prioritize the dignity and rights of individuals.
Comprehensive social welfare systems are a hallmark of many European countries, particularly in Scandinavia and Western Europe. These systems, including universal healthcare, education, and social safety nets, aim to reduce inequality and improve the quality of life for all citizens. This commitment to social welfare reflects a broader societal focus on collective well-being and humane treatment of individuals.
Robust legal frameworks for protecting human rights are another key factor. The European Convention on Human Rights and institutions like the European Court of Human Rights uphold civil liberties and protect individuals against state abuses. These legal structures ensure that human rights are respected and provide mechanisms for redress when violations occur.
The lawmakers, scholars, politicians, and other elites are more humane (also all branches – executive, judicial, and legislative) than the general population (for example, we don’t torture suspects, there is no systemic prison torture). And, saddenly, far more humane than third world countries.
Also, Europe’s strong tradition of secularism, especially in countries like France and Sweden, further contributes to its humane reputation. The separation of church and state allows for policies based on reason and evidence rather than religious doctrine. It promotes inclusivity and equity. High levels of education and literacy in Europe foster critical thinking, tolerance, and an appreciation for diversity and human rights, reinforcing humane values across societies.
Humanism and wealth in Europe
Economic stability in many European countries enables substantial investment in social programs and human rights protections. With strong economies and high standards of living, European nations can focus on enhancing quality of life and addressing social justice issues. This economic stability supports progressive social policies, including LGBTQ rights, gender equality, and environmental sustainability, reflecting a commitment to humane and just societal values.
In conclusion, the history of humanism from classical antiquity through the Renaissance and Enlightenment to modern times has deeply influenced European values and institutions. Europe’s humane reputation is rooted in its historical embrace of Enlightenment ideals, comprehensive social welfare systems, robust legal frameworks, secular governance, high levels of education, and progressive social policies. These factors collectively contribute to a society that prioritizes human dignity, equality, and justice.
My message to atheists, LGBTQ people and freethinkers from developing countries
This is not intended as a lesson you are going to be schooled by. I hate to feel or sound superior. I have deepest sympathies for people who are less fortunate (in countries on a developing level).
Yes, the world is an unjust, cruel, and agonizing place to live for some people. We are just peasants while the super-rich are playing chess and competing for wealth and power. I can relate to suffering as I am mentally ill and nobody cares (research and development cost a few billion, meanwhile the world GDP is 101.3 trillion dollars).
While we don’t have free will, we still have a chance to be better people – getting rid of the hateful culture that is around us (including Europe).
We can be humanists, and foster our empathy. Be rational when a murderer is sentenced (be rational, therefore disobey our instincts which would lead to torture, vindictiveness, and other animalistic instincts).
It same goes for the Russo-Ukrainian war. Obey the Geneva Conventions, and don’t do anything you will regret in times of peace afterward – for example, the disgraceful violence against German civilians after the end of WW2.
Humanism, “I wish all Russians to die” article and possibly different moral systems
My article that disagrees with violence, killings, and torture of anyone was met with a backlash. I get it, people suffer (as LGBTQ, atheists, and freethinkers), yet they are evil. But we may get even higher than mere obedience to the great human rights.
Utilitarianism and other systems
Utilitarianism is a moral philosophy that proposes actions should be judged based on their outcomes. Specifically whether they maximize overall happiness or well-being. The central idea is to achieve “the greatest good for the greatest number,” emphasizing that the best action is the one that increases overall utility, or the balance of pleasure over pain. This approach is consequentialist, meaning it evaluates the morality of an action by its results rather than by the intentions behind it or adherence to specific rules.
Two forms
There are two primary forms of utilitarianism. Act utilitarianism evaluates each individual action based on whether it maximizes utility compared to other possible actions. For example, if telling a lie in a specific situation results in more overall happiness than telling the truth, act utilitarianism would consider the lie morally right in that instance. On the other hand, rule utilitarianism assesses the morality of actions based on adherence to rules that generally lead to the greatest utility. This approach supports following rules like “do not lie”- if such rules typically result in better outcomes overall, even if in specific cases breaking the rule might seem to increase utility.
The philosophy has been shaped significantly by key figures like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill. Bentham introduced utilitarianism with the idea of the “hedonic calculus,” a method for quantifying pleasure and pain to determine the best course of action. John Stuart Mill later expanded on Bentham’s ideas, emphasizing that not all pleasures are equal and that intellectual and moral pleasures have greater value than mere physical pleasures.
Utilitarianism is widely applied in various fields, including ethics, public policy, and economics, where decisions are often made based on their potential to maximize overall benefit. However, the theory faces criticism for potentially justifying actions that violate individual rights or principles of justice if they result in a net increase in happiness. Additionally, measuring and comparing the happiness or well-being of different people objectively can be challenging, raising concerns about the practical implementation of utilitarian principles.
Conclusion
No matter what culture, upbringing, or molding you went through, what your given IQ, talents, creativity, and personal traits are, we can be better.
My ideal system is such a system that every moral step leads to the most ecstatic moments. It may sound weird, however, I think it is pretty rational.
Don’t forget there used to be “blood feud” (you break my arm, I will kill your whole family), then extremely progressive (for its age) “eye for an eye”, and even though we may hate religions, the best is “turn the other cheek” by a landslide.
Imagine a person born in a North Korean concentration camp. Having been tortured, beaten, suffering from mental and physical untreated issues, witnessing executions of his or her family members, escaping the country, then only is found prostituting in Europe as a modern slave and being hooked on heroin – and again tortured. Now, severe mental and physical health came into the way again. I am far from such a fate, but even the worst can lead us for the better.
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