Fighting for a More Compassionate World

What is Humanism?

Humanism is a progressive, non-theistic belief system that emphasizes human worth, human potential and human responsibility.

Get to Know Humanism

In Good Company

From scientists to artists to activists for change, notable figures you know and love have embraced Humanist values.
  • When I see something unjust, I have to intervene – it's hard for me to watch the underdog suffer.

    Kristen Bell

    Actress

  • All that you touch, you change. All that you change, changes you.

    Octavia Butler

    Author

  • I would have you be a conscious citizen of this terrible and beautiful world.

    Ta-Nehisi Coates

    Writer, journalist, activist

  • Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.

    Marie Curie

    Physicist, chemist

  • If there is no struggle, there is no progress.

    Frederick Douglass

    Abolitionist, social reformer, orator

  • I do not believe in God, because I believe in man.

    Emma Goldman

    Activist, writer

  • There is nothing to make you like other human beings so much as doing things for them.

    Zora Neale Hurston

    Anthropologist, folklorist, author

  • Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don't.

    Bill Nye

    Educator, engineer

  • Equality is the heart and essence of democracy, freedom, and justice.

    A. Philip Randolph

    Labor organizer, civil rights leader

  • For small creatures such as we, the vastness is bearable only through love.

    Carl Sagan

    Astronomer, scientist

  • Empathy is the most radical of human emotions.

    Gloria Steinem

    Journalist, activist

  • Being a humanist means trying to behave decently without expectation of rewards or punishment after you are dead.

    Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.

    Author

Select an individual to see quotes.

Our Work in Action

Discover Our Impact

  • 60k+

    Active members of our community

  • 230

    Active AHA chapters, groups & affiliates

  • 70k+

    Advocacy actions taken by Humanist activists

CURRENT SPOTLIGHT

Introducing the American Empathy Project

On May 2, 2026, we hosted a national day of action and compassion.
We put $100,000 into the hands of local changemakers to mobilize their communities and put empathy into action, and the results were incredible.

Learn About the American Empathy Project

Are you a Humanist?

Take our quick quiz and find out!

You might already be living by Humanist values without even knowing it.

Take Our QuizLearn More About Humanism

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest news from the American Humanist Association!

When you subscribe to our email list, you’ll receive our weekly newsletter digest and stay in the know on:

  • Important actions you can take to advocate for policies rooted in reason and evidence
  • Opportunities to meet and be in community with Humanists in your area
  • The latest updates on our legal advocacy, grant making initiatives and other AHA work
  • And so much more!