Affirmations: Joyful And Creative Exuberance - Softcover

Kurtz, Paul

3.89

18 ratings by Goodreads

9781591023890: Affirmations: Joyful And Creative Exuberance

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1591023890 ISBN 13: 9781591023890

Publisher: Prometheus Books, 2005

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In this optimistic, life-affirming book, philosopher Paul Kurtz succinctly outlines the main characteristics of the humanist perspective. Centered on human concerns and employing rational and scientific methods to determine objective truth, humanism is dedicated to the development of individual human potentials and the improvement of the planetary community.

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 the most reliable scientific knowledge and critical reason, he shows how wisdom can be applied to conduct while leading a life of commitment and passion.

Regarding the perennial search for happiness, Kurtz affirms that secularism also holds far more promise than either religion or political ideologies. Through creative action in the pursuit of goals focused on the enhancement of human welfare the individual has the best chance of realizing a rewarding and meaningful life.

The author goes on to show how this realistic and fulfilling life stance is expressed in various human endeavors ranging from ethics to environmental protection, forming lasting human relationships, eroticism, sexuality, being a good parent, finding meaning in life, striving for a beloved cause, facing death with courage, and the goal of creating a stable, thriving, democratic world community.

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About the Author:

Paul Kurtz (1925-2012), professor emeritus of philosophy at the State University of New York at Buffalo and a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, was the author or editor of more than fifty books, including The Transcendental Temptation, The Courage to Become, and Embracing the Power of Humanism, plus nine hundred articles and reviews. He was the founder and chairman of Prometheus Books, the Institute for Science and Human Values, the Center for Inquiry, the Council for Secular Humanism, and the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. He appeared on many major television and radio talk shows and has lectured at universities worldwide.

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

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