AnthonyBoy (@AnthonyBoy)

@Dividends4Life Great question, Jim. Sadly, I rarely get asked that. What sets us apart from all other creatures is our disproportionate brain. What defines me as a Humanist is my dedication to rigorous and constant use of that amazing organ. Like any other organ or muscle, the more it is used, the more powerful it becomes. Gene Roddenberry, the creator of the "Star Trek" scifi series, was a Humanist. In that series he created a fictional planet called "Vulcan" that was a disguised analog for Humanism. Naturally he gave them pointed ears, and an emotion phobia to enhance drama, but the overall concept was fairly accurate. Understand, Jim, that this is not a "life choice" on my part. It is simply how my particular brain works. Like so many, I have never been very capable of "belief". In my mind, the capacity in humans to "believe" vs "know" works kind of like a left/right stereo slider. Everyone has their own setting for this slider. That is why in religious circles, some seem more dedicated and enthusiastic than others, and others never go to church unless at wedding or funerals. Also, because of this slider, "believers" have just as valid a right to their views as do "knowists" (I know, not a word ..) Whatever works for the individual ..