Reviews

This is the story of “Humanism” and it’s contributors throughout history. I liked that it was organized chronologically, as opposed to geographic area, historical figure, or conceptually. There were so many contributors throughout history that they all kinda blended together. While this interferes with the flow, it also makes it a great book to own. It can be opened on any random page and provide wisdom with minimal previous context. It’s easy for me to picture it with tabs jutting out all over, indicating where to learn about specific smart, caring people. Throughout the book there is a notion that we (humans) deserve happiness and fulfillment, we have come a long way to actualize this, and we can’t rest yet. I found this mildly inspiring, as it gives the reader a sense that they’re part of a story transcending their own individual life. As with most Humanist lit, this is very critical of tyranny and organized religion. I didn’t particularly love it, but it’s not bad. The author’s story of Bertrand Russell was fascinating, but the chapter about Petrarch was a drag. “Petrarch really liked reading,” could have been an alternative, more succinct chapter.