The Courage to Become: The Virtues of Humanism

Does life have meaning if one rejects belief in God? This book responds affirmatively to that question. Paul Kurtz, America's leading secular humanist, provides a powerful defense of the humanist alternative, rejecting both religious spirituality and nihilism. In this inspirational book, Kurtz outlines the basic virtues of the secular humanist outlook. These virtues include courage, not simply to be or to survive, but to overcome and become; that is, to fulfill our highest aspirations and ideals in the face of obstacles. The two other virtues Kurtz identifies are cognition (reason and science in establishing truth) and moral caring (compassion and benevolence in our relationships with others.) Kurtz offers an optimistic appraisal of the human prospect and outlines a philosophy both for the individual and the global community.

Author: Paul Kurtz
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Published: 06/30/1997
Pages: 152
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.55lbs
Size: 9.20h x 6.08w x 0.47d
ISBN: 9780275960162

Review Citation(s):
Library Journal 08/01/1997 pg. 91

About the Author

PAUL KURTZ is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the State University of New York at Buffalo. He is editor of Free Inquiry magazine, Chairman of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal, and former Co-President of the International Humanist and Ethical Union. He has authored and edited over 30 books, including The Transcendental Temptation, Forbidden Fruit, and The New Skepticism.