Classical Roots – Humanism had its earliest roots in ancient Rome and Greece.
Greek Philosophy – Thinkers like Socrates, Plato and Aristotle emphasised ethics, reason, moral development and the pursuit of knowledge for human flourishing.
Roman Humanitas – In ancient Rome, Cicero popularised the term humanitas – meaning “human nature” “civilised behaviour” or “education” – encouraging ideals like dignity, virtue and the importance of studying history, language and philosophy to cultivate moral character.
Renaissance Humanism emerged in Europe in the 14th to 17th centuries as a cultural and intellectual revival of classical Greek and Roman learning. Humanism arose in Italy (14th century) inspired by figures such as Petrarch and Giovanni Boccaccio who rediscovered classical texts and promoted secular scholarship.
During this period there was emphasis on human dignity, history, philosophy, art and the study of classical literature as ways to understand humanity and live virtuous, fulfilling lives. Renaissance humanism has helped shape education, politics and science and laid the foundations for modern ideas around human rights and secular values.
Enlightenment Humanist – In the 17th and 18th. centuries important writers, philosophers and thinkers like John Locke, Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Immanuel Kant further developed humanist thought.
The Enlightenment prioritised the scientific method, individual freedom, rational inquiry and questioned religious authority and dogma.
Over time the meaning and usage of the term “humanism” has broadened. It came to represent a worldview that places a high value on human dignity, autonomy and self-determination. Modern humanism stresses rational thought, empirical evidence and ethical considerations based on human welfare rather than supernatural beliefs.
In modern usage the word “humanism” has evolved from its classical origins to describe the powerful concept that celebrates the potential and worth of human beings across all areas of life.
What's Humanism? 