Affirmations : Joyful and Creative Exuberance - Softcover

Kurtz, Paul

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1591022657 ISBN 13: 9781591022657

Publisher: Prometheus Books, 2004

Synopsis

In this optimistic, life-affirming book, philosopher Paul Kurtz succinctly outlines the main characteristics of happiness. Centered on human concerns and employing rational and scientific methods to determine objective truth, AFFIRMATIONS is dedicated to the development of individual human potential.

Emphasizing that the good life is achievable by everyone, Kurtz has coined the term "eupraxsophy," based on Greek roots and meaning "good conduct and wisdom in living." By using critical thinking, he shows how wisdom can be applied to a life of commitment and passion.

Regarding the perennial search for happiness, Kurtz affirms that secularism holds great promise. Through creative action in the pursuit of goals focused on the enhancement of human welfare, each person has the best chance of realizing a meaningful life of joyful exuberance.

Kurtz goes on to show how this realistic and fulfilling life stance is expressed in various human endeavors: achieving excellence; joyful exuberance; eroticism; being a good parent; loving another person; a good marriage or civil union; finding meaning in life; striving for a beloved cause; facing death with courage; and creating a planetary community.

About this title

About the Author:

Paul Kurtz, professor emeritus of philosophy at the State University of New York at Buffalo, is the author or editor of forty-two books, including FORBIDDEN FRUIT, THE COURAGE TO BECOME, and THE FULLNESS OF LIFE. He is also the founder of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal, editor-in-chief of "Free Inquiry," and the chairman of the Center for Inquiry.

Review:

"This eloquent and comprehensive summary of humanism as "joyful and creative exuberance" is, simply put, the most stirring and useful manifesto presently available, both for humanists themselves and for those wondering what modern secular humanism amounts to in practice...Paul Kurtz's manifesto is a healthy reminder of why the principles of secular humanism matter and of how we can enrich our lives and the lives of those around us by making them matter in action..."
-Humanist Perspectives

"Short and to the point...It may...serve as an inspiring book for those who are already humanists, as well as an engaging introduction to humanist principles for those who are unfamiliar with the philosophy but likely to be sympathetic to its perspective."
-About.com

About this edition

• Publisher: Prometheus Books
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 1591022657
• ISBN 13: 9781591022657
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 123