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In many ways, the author's book is both a defense and an explanation of humanism. Humanism is about making the most of one's life while living on Earth. For many, this means living in harmony with nature, enjoying a sunset or a mountain view. For some, this philosophy is the foundation on which to place one's religion—so long as the leaders don't ask for "blind faith." Living life to the fullest on Earth begins with recognizing controlling environments and seeking truth for oneself. Sorting through available facts or digging into published scientific research are two ways to uncover the truth and verify information. The younger generations ask: do I control my life, or does a god control me? To this question, humanists offer one path crisscrossed with footprints from Epicurus of Athens to the psychologist Abraham Maslow to the present-day American Humanist Association.
In Simpson's informative book, these highlights of humanist history become the very tools of discussion, such as Maslow's hierarchy of needs, for understanding, communicating, and supporting different people groups. In a space where violence often arises, the author shows how humanists instead suggest non-threatening education as a means of bridging barriers to respectful conversations. Chapter by chapter, the principles of humanism slowly unfold, as the author's cogent examples and concepts fall into place. Subtle encouragements nestled in larger philosophical points, along with the occasional humorous aside, call to mind the voice of a teacher, patient and clear, above the noise. This introduction to humanism is both comfortable for those new to the concepts and sufficiently in-depth for those familiar with humanists' impact worldwide.