Humanism is a nontheistic worldview with ethical values informed by scientific knowledge and driven by a desire to meet the needs of people in the here and now. At the foundation of those values is an affirmation of the dignity of every human being.
APRIL 2026: PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
by Peter Dickinson
Hello Humanists!
Along with treating us to a fascinating exploration of infinities in the form of fractal imagery, Hope Curtis, our speaker on March 28, introduced us to a new word which I think captures at least one way of looking at what humanism means: sonder.
The word comes from The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows by John Koenig (published in book form, and as a website: https://www.thedictionaryofobscuresorrows.com). The entry for sonder is:
“Sonder: The Awareness That Everyone Has a Story
You are the main character. The protagonist. The star at the center of your own unfolding story. You’re surrounded by your supporting cast: friends and family hanging in your immediate orbit. Scattered a little further out, a network of acquaintances who drift in and out of contact over the years.
.png)
