Humanvalues Weblog

The End of Mankind

This pronouncement sounds scary and forbidding, but actually it’s an accounting of a win-win moment for “Humanist” progress, and a symbolic evolutionary triumph for half of us humans. So, don’t worry. This is a very happy story! The telling of this story is even a bit funny, as well, you’ll see, after I describe a few moments of worrisome anxiety!

But, first, let me preface the main theme of this story with a little preamble…that of my own experiencing increasing annoyance, over my growing-up years, to find insistence, in spite of continuing inquiries and doubts, that a creator of all the universe and life as we know it, is a man-god. I grieved, picturing him as probably bearded with a booming authoritative voice. But, what about Mother Nature?… I would plead. Mothers are the nurturers, the beings that give birth! And a source of love and protection! It’s through this rejection route, that I had become a NON-believer, resenting all traditional religion as being tribal, contrary to science, and based upon illusion. I hadn’t yet learned that I’m a Humanist. And, what an amazing revelation to accidentally happen-upon the great researched works of Corliss Lamont!

And, even more amazing to be eventually welcomed into the physical presence of this great researcher, philosopher, author of The Philosophy of Humanism, Corliss Lamont, himself!

His works had been based upon extensive historical written evidence, and his own inspired conjecture, but necessarily written in the traditional academic style for accreditation. Upon reading the 7th Edition of The Philosophy of Humanism, I was both inspired and dismayed by the almost obligatory use of that same word that crowds-out a vision of newly empowered womanhood. Sheesh! We’re hardly recognized, and didn’t even get to vote until 1920!

Sister Humanist, Beverly Earles and I converged upon an amiable Corliss Lamont, with our sort-of giggly conspiratorial, but inspirational plot, to point out the book’s currant error. We took turns reading to Corliss from his own work, paragraph after paragraph, and inserting, instead of the traditional mankind, we used the word, very pointedly and with emphasis: WOMANKIND! This went on, without comment from Corliss, for part of a chapter.

We cast worried glances at him. He was sitting with elbows on knees and head in hands, not giving any clue for us to gauge. Are we insulting him? Is this approach un-humanistic? Stop!

Trying to sound brave and cheerful, I asked cautiously: “Well, Corliss, what do you think?”

He looked-up brightly and surprised us both with his nodding approval and his reassuring response: “You know, you’ve got a good point there! This should be changed to Humankind! And so it was! The 8th Edition of The Philosophy of Humanism celebrates Humankind! And our devoted Editor carefully inserted ALL US humans into the new Edition.

https://www.corliss-lamont.org/philos8.htm

Beth K. Lamont, Humanist Celebrant, and author of Lefties Are In Their Right Minds

Beware the ISM Schizim!

Three little letters of the alphabet, harmless in appearance, are still creating havoc in this bewildered “would be” Democracy!

How on Earth can it be, that these three little letters cause such harm? Does this sound impossible? But, here’s the case in point:

CAPITAL, FOR INSTANCE: Without expenditure or investment of Capital, there can be NO creation of alternative energies for the purpose of countering the impending climate change danger!

Investment in science and technology, is essential, and in food production and businesses, all work… that creates paychecks!

CAPITAL IS IMPORTANT! ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY FOR LIVING! We’re in complete agreement at this point as to definition. OK?

Another truth, regards a beautiful, Human-connectedness word:

SOCIAL! This concept is also essential, and necessary for living!

Let’s start with the meaning of Social. We ARE social beings…our Family, our Friends, our co-workers, our community! And what about all the pluses? SOCIAL SECURITY! Yea! Also, hooray for Franklin D! Our human connectedness, and now, Social Media.

We have new tools in our hands that now give us People Power!

Are we all still on the same page? We’re agreeing Social is good! Capital is good! There you have it! Two important concepts! Two GOOD words! We’re in complete agreement at this point. OK?

Now, add those three scary little letters, creating havoc: “ISM”.

And, now what do we get? Omygod! No! Never! Not Socialism!!!

Some Folks get the knee-jerk reaction: “No, not the Evil Empire!”

And a tumult of Red Scare accusations, and a century of fear and propaganda against the ideals of Karl Marx comes pouring out! The hope of the Russians for Workers of the World to Unite, and to thereby benefit Human conditions, has been thwarted, and now we face even greater danger: a Mushroom-shaped Cloud.

The same switcharooney occurs when you add those same three scary little letters “ISM” to the good word Capital, and now, how shocking, but inevitable, you get a whole different thing! It’s no longer just investment for development, but this word describes the Economic System that’s called Capitalism, a virtual CASINO, the whole point of which is to MAKE PROFIT! This is a market in which there are absolutely no ethical or moral considerations.

A sad fact, that president Eisenhower warned us about, is that WAR is profitable, and unfortunately, for some investors, the making of profit is more important than the well-being of the People and the Planet. This system empowers the wealthy, who might operate without conscience, and dominate politically.

An Essay entitled Code of Ethics for a Corporation follows.

But, the point made here is that these three little letters of the alphabet, and their hapless application to some perfectly good words, turn TRUTH and HUMAN SURVIVAL around completely!

These are my words of caution! Beware the “ISM” SCHIZIM!

Beth K. Lamont, Humanist Celebrant, and author of Lefties Are In Their Right Minds