Humanism begins with a question
I was 8 when I first pondered over the question, “Do cavemen go to hell?” This triggered me to question humans’ knowledge of the beyond, of what lies after we die. My thirst for knowledge led me to go on a philosophical adventure in search for “the truth”.
Religion was my first stop; its age-old rules, its hostility to people of another faith, its seemingly unquestionable answers, and its idea of eternal punishment were too much for me to take. The idea of being condemned to eternal damnation for not submitting to “the right god” raised too many questions in my mind.
Humanism becomes the answer
College gave me the answers, when my Philosophy professor said, “Man chooses the choices that make him happy.” It sounded simple yet so sophisticated to process, and it hit me then: Who are we to deny our fellow humans their happiness while we go feed our own egos? Do we need to take away someone’s happiness to make our own happiness? My questions went as soon as they came.
Humanism. It was humanism all along.
Following humanism gave me the chance to explore deeper into myself. It gifted me with more meaning. It made me understand that the decisions we make ought to be based on evidence, and the product of critical thinking. My mind since has opened to certain ideas, to higher knowledge and to more people. I am the better me.
Humanism is humanity in humankind
Some say that atheism is a curse that rots people in hell. I say, no! Purposeful atheism makes heaven a place on Earth. It creates paradise out of tongues of fire — from segregation to equal rights, from goodness towards oneself to goodness paid forward, from a history of dogmas and superstitions to a future of science and reason.
Since the dawn of civilization, Filipinos have fought for liberty; I remain to continue that legacy. We fight oppression! We fight bigotry! We fight for everyone’s right to pursue happiness! I am always HAPI. This is my contribution to humanity.
The Author
Joshua Palolan
- Human rights activist
- School paper editor
- Hospitaly Management student
