During the 1960s, Harold Blackham, the inaugural Executive Director of Humanists UK, famously asserted: “Humanism pertains to the world, not just humanism.” In this compilation of classic non-fiction works from humanists, we present 14 books that not only addressed the world but also played a pivotal role in effecting positive change within it.
On the Origin of Species, Charles Darwin
Let’s begin with an undeniable inclusion! “On the Origin of Species” by Charles Darwin unquestionably earns its place on any compilation of world-changing books, and rightfully so. Darwin’s meticulous research, combined with his eloquent prose for conveying his discoveries, revolutionized the scientific comprehension of life’s manifold diversity and the natural environment. His concepts were consistently corroborated by scientists across numerous disciplines, reaffirmed countless times over in the decades that ensued. Darwin’s groundbreaking theory of evolution via natural selection confronted prevailing religious perspectives, underscoring the potency of scientific exploration, empirical substantiation, and rational cognition in enriching our comprehension of the world. This work contributed to the Victorian era of questioning and instilled in many the notion that science holds the potential to illuminate more about our world and how to navigate it than the narratives bequeathed to us.
Three Guineas and A Room of One’s Own, Virginia Woolf
While frequently bundled with Woolf’s brilliant anti-war essay “Three Guineas,” it’s truly Woolf’s earlier work, “A Room of One’s Own,” that endures the test of time. Foreshadowing the feminist aspirations of the mid-20th century by decades, and drawing upon a lineage of feminist literature encompassing figures like Wollstonecraft and her own mother, Julia Stephen, Woolf eloquently addresses the hurdles stemming from domestic responsibilities, childbirth, marital expectations, and religious devotion imposed upon women. Through this, she presents a compelling argument for the foundational equality of women. Through her fictional character, Judith Shakespeare, Woolf illuminates how a hypothetical sister of William Shakespeare, similarly gifted, would have been tragically stifled. This essay also includes some of Woolf’s most candid and audacious references to lesbianism and her personal sexuality.
While we’ve acknowledged “A Room of One’s Own” as the more significant piece, it’s within “Three Guineas” that Woolf most openly links the plight of her gender to a broader humanistic argument for political unity and individual compassion that can transcend divisions of race, class, and even national boundaries. An illustration of this sentiment emerges when she articulates:
“As a woman, I have no country. As a woman, I desire no country. As a woman, my country is the entire world.”
The Second Sex, Simone de Beauvoir
A foundational work concerning women’s roles in society, “The Second Sex” by French existentialist and humanist Simone de Beauvoir stands as a timeless masterpiece that scrutinizes women’s status while challenging deeply entrenched societal norms that propagate gender inequity. De Beauvoir’s revolutionary text delves into the construction of femininity, the influence of cultural and communal factors on women’s positions, and the ramifications of perceiving women as the ‘Other’ in relation to men. Employing rigorous philosophical analysis through a humanistic perspective, de Beauvoir advocates for the emancipation of women from oppressive frameworks, championing their autonomy, agency, and rightful participation in shaping their own trajectories. By illuminating the interconnectedness between women’s civil rights and the humanistic and existentialist worldview, akin to the ideas put forth by her partner Albert Camus, “The Second Sex” not only enriched humanist discourse by championing personal liberties and self-determination, but it also advanced a broader discourse on human rights and social equity. In doing so, it equipped readers with the tools and language to propel these conversations forward.
The Selfish Gene, Richard Dawkins
Are you familiar with the term ‘meme’? This concept was introduced by biologist and patron of Humanists UK, Richard Dawkins. In his bestselling classic of popular genetics, “The Selfish Gene,” Dawkins offers a clear and eloquent exploration of the intricacies of natural selection. He introduces a ‘gene-centric’ perspective on evolution that went on to inspire numerous zoologists and geneticists in the years that followed. Additionally, he analogously proposes the notion of an information unit behaving akin to a gene. Using the metaphor of idea propagation, mutation, and evolution, he illustrates how this concept can hold true for genes, even without any guiding intelligent force. This notion gave rise to a new academic field, memetics, and greatly contributed to our comprehension of how ideas disseminate within politics, cultures, across boundaries, and more recently, on the internet. Dawkins’ work is undeniably seminal, urging readers to critically engage with scientific concepts and thereby recognize the artistry of reality within the interconnected tapestry of life that envelopes us all.
Naturally, in 2006, Dawkins once again ignited the humanist community with “The God Delusion,” triggering a wave of fervent interest in publishing.
The Rights of Man, Thomas Paine
“The Rights of Man” by Thomas Paine, a founding father of the United States, occupies a significant position within the realm of humanist non-fiction classics. It stands as a robust defense of individual freedoms, democratic governance, and the supremacy of law. Paine’s remarkable contribution lies in taking the concept of human rights—hitherto predominantly philosophical—and initiating its transformation into a political and legal framework through the embodiment of his vision in the US Constitution, reflecting his country’s philosophical ideals. Subsequently, this influence extended to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Looking back, it’s easy to overlook the audacious, radical, and provocative nature of many of Paine’s notions. By advocating the idea that political authority derives from the people and governments exist to serve the collective welfare, rather than their own self-interest, Paine’s pivotal work resonates with the core values of humanism—emphasizing human agency, reasoned discourse, and the pursuit of justice.
Household Education, Harriet Martineau
A prominent social theorist and translator of humanist writings, including works by Auguste Comte and others, Harriet Martineau ignited a blaze within the realm of patriarchy with her 1848 masterpiece, “Household Education.” In an era predating Woolf and the feminist movements of the 20th century, Martineau strategically targeted the domestic sphere as a vital battleground for women’s emancipation. In contrast to her contemporaries, she concentrated on advocating for women’s intellectual and ethical growth, aligning herself with the foundational principles of humanism: the exploration of individual potential and the embrace of our capacity for self-improvement. Martineau’s humanistic convictions shine through in her resolute demand for equitable educational opportunities. She underscores that societal progress hinges on educating and empowering every individual, regardless of gender. In doing so, she compellingly establishes that women’s rights are inherently human rights. Her lucid argument contends that the collective well-being of society will flourish once women are afforded the same chances to think and, subsequently, to shape their own destinies, just as men do.
Equally recognized for her unwavering commitment to freethinking humanism and her stances on women’s liberation, her impact reverberates beyond her role in invigorating the women’s suffrage movement. Her influence extends to humanist collectives and authors who draw inspiration from her works centered on unrestricted exploration of ideas, social awareness, and the quest for happiness.
The Souls of Black Folk, W.E.B. Du Bois
A dedicated humanist and a close associate of Humanists UK, W.E.B. Du Bois’s “The Souls of Black Folk” marked, in several aspects, the intellectual catalyst for the civil rights movement. Du Bois eloquently confronted the intricate challenges of race, identity, and social equity faced by African-Americans in the United States. His perceptive prose dissected the psychological and socio-political repercussions of racism, advocating for not only civil rights but also intellectual and cultural empowerment. Through compelling narrative and poignant introspection, Du Bois underscored the significance of education, self-awareness, and cultural pride. In doing so, he wholeheartedly aligned with a humanistic lineage that challenges systemic disparities, urging society to acknowledge the intrinsic dignity, value, and potential of every individual, irrespective of their racial heritage, gender, religion, or belief.
The Interpretation of Dreams, Sigmund Freud
While present times tend to highlight his inaccuracies and creative interpretations, it’s important not to overlook the revolutionary contributions of Austrian neurologist and humanist thinker Sigmund Freud. As the ‘father of psychoanalysis,’ Freud introduced an entirely fresh perspective into the realm of individual consciousness, a perspective that, for many, has superseded and enhanced the comfort once offered by religious beliefs to Western masses. Imperfect, this paradigm shift arguably represents a significant improvement. Through the establishment of psychoanalysis as a discipline, society also acquired a heightened capacity to emphasize and prioritize empathy in comprehending the origins and trajectories of human experiences, both our own and others’. This facilitated a more comprehensive understanding of the hows and whys behind our actions.
While the contemporary view largely dismisses dreams as devoid of significance, aside from possibly indicating heightened stress or fixation on a specific subject, “The Interpretation of Dreams” remains an abundant wellspring of profound and enlightening insights into human nature. This work drastically reshaped common perceptions of the human psyche, infusing the collective narrative with a deeper exploration of self-awareness, empathy, and our ongoing pursuit to fathom our inherent essence.
Silent Spring, Rachel Carson
In the 2020s, the majority of us hold environmentalist inclinations in the sense that we collectively acknowledge the reality of anthropogenic climate change and the necessity of taking action to avert its grave repercussions. Now, let’s journey back to 1962, a time when such concern for the environment was often ridiculed as trivial by influential politicians and the general public alike. Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring” emerges as a proclamation advocating for the enhanced preservation of our planet and a clarion call for responsible guardianship of the natural world. She underscores the intrinsic interconnectedness not only between human existence and Earth but also among all life forms that coexist on this shared planetary abode. In its era, the book was applauded for its unmistakably humanistic dedication to rationality, empirical evidence, and the welfare of others: a call to think independently and act collectively.
Why I Am Not a Christian, Bertrand Russell
“Why I Am Not a Christian” by Bertrand Russell occupies a significant space in the canon of humanist non-fiction for its lucid and reasoned critique of religious beliefs and organized religion as a whole. Russell’s thought-provoking essay meticulously dissects theological arguments, exposing inconsistencies, contradictions, fallacies, and moral deficiencies inherent in conventional religious ideologies. With his trademark blend of compassion, unwavering logic, and engaging style, Russell champions a skeptical, evidence-driven approach to comprehending the world. In doing so, he effectively disseminates humanism’s emphasis on reason, critical thinking, and the imperative of grounding beliefs in empirical evidence to a broad audience.
Already an outspoken advocate for Humanists UK and a regular broadcaster on humanist topics during that period, Russell’s lecture and subsequent essay significantly influenced numerous similar narratives, including the prominent ‘New Atheist’ works of the 2000s. By instilling a spirit of inquiry, promoting scientific exploration, and endorsing a humanist worldview centered on ethical and moral values rooted in human empathy, compassion, and shared social responsibility, Russell solidifies his place on this list as a catalyst for transformative thought.
Dust Tracks on a Road, Zora Neale Hurston
The lone memoir on this list is “Dust Tracks on a Road” by Zora Neale Hurston. Evidently the product of a mind that excelled not only in the realm of exceptional fiction but also in the field of accomplished anthropology, Hurston presents a personal and radiant narrative of her upbringing in the American South and her evolution as a writer during her time at Howard University. Sometimes viewed as a companion piece to her novel “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” this work unveils not only Hurston’s literary brilliance but also the potency of her humanist principles. While it was once criticized as ‘unreliable’ and ‘politically contradictory,’ its enduring value lies in its experimental and subversive structure, as well as its illuminating insights into the lives of intellectual African American women within a society that scarcely accommodated their aspirations.
Within its pages, “Dust Tracks on a Road” also encapsulates some of the most poignant and motivating prose to be found within Hurston’s literary repertoire. Notably, she reflects on humanity’s position within a universe devoid of deities and expresses profound contentment, elation, and serenity in being intricately connected to the boundless expanse of existence. The text exudes a sparkling poetry that stirs the senses, all while grounded in a humanistic perspective on life, significance, and the pursuit of purpose.
The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Edward Gibbon
Edward Gibbon’s “The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire” held immense significance during its era, sparking a transformation in the way we approach and chronicle history. This transformation is most evident in the discourse of both his admirers and critics. For them, their stance on “The Decline and Fall” delineated them as defenders of a Christian tradition that tended to attribute all positives to Christianity and all negatives to other influences, or as daring and avant-garde secularists who may not have fully grasped the implications of sidelining religious beliefs. This debate, which centered on Gibbon at the time, has since manifested in various other domains. What remains remarkable is Gibbon’s substantial contribution to a humanistic perspective on history. He extended the principles championed by Enlightenment thinkers in the realms of science and philosophy to the realm of historical inquiry, leaving an indelible mark on the discipline.
In a 1916 Conway Hall Memorial Lecture, Edward Clodd eloquently expressed that Edward Gibbon’s enduring merit lies in his resolute endeavor to subject Christianity to the same rigorous scrutiny employed across various fields of research. This feat occurred at a juncture when the concept of comparative theology was still in its nascent stage. Gibbon’s covert challenge to the notion of Christianity’s supernatural origin paved the way for demonstrating that its evolution—by whatever term one might prefer—is attributable solely to human agents. Clodd’s words highlight how Gibbon’s legacy rests on his profound contribution to fostering an understanding that human endeavors alone can explain its progression.
Notes on Camp, Susan Sontag
Susan Sontag, a cultural critic, public intellectual, and human rights advocate, stands as a figure of profound influence across popular culture and even the realm of politics, rendering the task of tracing her impact a formidable challenge. Through her work “Notes on Camp,” she firmly established her reputation as a preeminent interpreter of American and global popular culture, birthing a novel vocabulary for dissecting the sensibilities of media, our individual modes of expression, and their ramifications for our world. Employing incisive wit and cultural acumen, Sontag delves into the intricacies of the ‘camp’ phenomenon in art, fashion, and popular culture, unraveling its paradoxes and embracing its exuberant defiance of conventional norms. Serving as a cornerstone in the field of cultural analysis, Sontag’s examination not only enriches our comprehension of camp but also urges readers to critically engage with the intricate interplay between high and low culture.
Another notable inclusion in a humanist compilation is her significant work “Against Interpretation.” Emerging after the zenith of post-structuralist and Marxist critique, Sontag’s meticulously crafted treatise champions serious contemplation, advocating for a restraint on the inclination to extract meaning and intention from subjects under analysis. Instead, she compellingly champions the supremacy of aesthetics, highlighting the intrinsic value of beauty itself in the realm of art.
Thinking to Some Purpose, Susan Stebbing
One of the most overlooked and inadequately acknowledged entries on this compilation is the groundbreaking work of humanist philosophy penned by philosopher L. Susan Stebbing—”Thinking to Some Purpose.” Crafted shortly before her tenure as the inaugural female President of Humanists UK, this work serves as the quintessential humanist manual for cultivating an unobstructed and open-minded intellect. Reading it within the context of the 2020s, one is struck by the impression that Stebbing possessed an almost prophetic comprehension of the forthcoming world, including the advent of the social media era. Stebbing’s central concern lies in the potential peril posed by flawed reasoning to the integrity of vibrant democracies. In many respects, her writings from the late 1930s identify the factors that paved the way for the emergence of authoritarian populism in Europe. A rallying cry for more meticulous thinking, Stebbing asserts:
“In the contemporary landscape, a pressing demand emerges for the denizens of a democracy to engage in thoughtful contemplation. Possessing the liberty of the press and parliamentary frameworks falls short of sufficing. Our challenges stem from a combination of our own lack of discernment, the exploitation of this lack, and our individual biases and self-interests.”
It’s important to add that none of these books or writers are perfect…
The books featured in this collection contribute to elucidating the substantial reasons behind humanists’ strong emphasis on freedoms encompassing thought, choice, expression, as well as religious or belief freedom. These principles stand as vital priorities and focal points of advocacy for Humanists UK. However, it’s important to acknowledge that certain works veer significantly off course, revealing the authors’ lack of expertise in one domain despite their brilliance in another. Additionally, some books are inevitably influenced by the context of their time of creation.
This is one of the delights inherent in the humanist outlook on life. Instead of adhering to Bibles or venerating saints, we embrace bookshelves! Our strategy involves encouraging extensive reading and attentive listening prior to forming personal opinions. Moreover, we advocate for the willingness to alter one’s stance whenever compelling evidence or cogent arguments come into play. It might sound straightforward, yet its rarity might surprise you.
Although we have omitted “The Wealth of Nations” by the humanist author and free market economist Adam Smith, as well as any contributions from the Marxist tradition, it’s evident that an argument could also be constructed in favor of these works altering the course of history – regardless of where you stand on these matters.
This compilation serves to highlight the importance of questioning taboos, advancing novel concepts, and occasionally defying the conventional sensitivities of society. It’s through these actions that genuine progress is pursued and achieved. In this endeavor, these authors have collaboratively enhanced human comprehension and contributed to creating a more compassionate, logical, and joyful world.
