Humanly Possible

Introduction

In her book "Humanly Possible," Sarah Bakewell takes readers on a fascinating journey through the history of humanism, a philosophical stance that has shaped our understanding of what it means to be human for over 700 years. This book explores the lives and ideas of key humanist thinkers, from the 14th century to the present day, revealing how their insights continue to influence our world.

Humanism, at its core, is a celebration of human potential, rationality, and dignity. It emphasizes the value of human experiences, achievements, and capabilities without relying on religious beliefs. Throughout the book, Bakewell introduces us to a cast of remarkable individuals who have contributed to the development of humanist thought, including Petrarch, Boccaccio, Christine de Pizan, Erasmus, Montaigne, Voltaire, and Thomas Mann.

As we explore the lives and ideas of these thinkers, we'll discover how humanism has evolved over time, adapting to new challenges and circumstances while maintaining its fundamental principles. We'll see how humanist ideas have shaped art, literature, science, and politics, and how they continue to offer a powerful alternative to dogmatic and authoritarian ways of thinking.

The Essence of Humanism

Bakewell begins by illustrating the challenges of defining humanism through the story of Hamza bin Walayat, a young Pakistani man seeking asylum in Britain based on his humanist beliefs. This case highlights the difficulty of explaining humanism to those unfamiliar with its principles, as it lacks the formal structures and rituals associated with organized religions.

At its heart, humanism is about exploring and valuing the unique qualities of our species. It emphasizes:

1. Freethinking: Asking questions, studying, learning, and discovering.
2. Preservation: Safeguarding human knowledge and achievements.
3. Hope: Recognizing the positive potential of human beings.
4. Rationality: Relying on reason and evidence rather than faith or dogma.
5. Dignity: Affirming the inherent worth of all human beings.

Humanists believe that moral behavior doesn't require religious scripture but can arise from human conscience and empathy. This stance has sometimes put humanists at odds with conservative religious authorities, who may view it as a threat to established beliefs and power structures.

The Renaissance Roots of Humanism

Petrarch and Boccaccio: The Founding Fathers

The story of modern humanism begins in 14th-century Italy with two remarkable figures: Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch) and Giovanni Boccaccio. These men laid the foundation for humanist thought through their passionate pursuit of knowledge and their dedication to preserving and studying the works of the past.

Petrarch (1304-1374) and Boccaccio (1313-1375) were both born into families with expectations for their careers. However, they rebelled against their fathers' wishes and chose to pursue literature instead. This act of following their passions became a hallmark of humanist thinking.

Petrarch's obsession with recovering and collecting ancient manuscripts exemplifies the humanist commitment to preserving knowledge. He would send wish lists to traveling friends, hoping they might stumble upon rare works to add to his collection. This dedication to uncovering and safeguarding the wisdom of the past became a central tenet of humanism.

Both men were prolific writers, leaving behind a rich legacy of letters, scholarly works, and poetry. Petrarch is known for inventing the Petrarchan sonnet, a poetic form still used today. Boccaccio's masterpiece, "The Decameron," consists of 100 stories set during the time of the Black Death, offering a vivid portrayal of human experiences during a time of crisis.

Living through the devastating bubonic plague of the 14th century had a profound impact on both writers. Their works from this period, particularly Petrarch's letters to friends, demonstrate the humanist emphasis on empathy and the importance of sharing human experiences across time and space.

The efforts of Petrarch and Boccaccio inspired future generations of artists, writers, explorers, scientists, teachers, librarians, and collectors. These individuals sought to recover and preserve past achievements while contributing their own work to the growing archive of human knowledge.

Christine de Pizan: A Female Voice in Humanism

While the early humanist movement was predominantly male, there were notable exceptions. Christine de Pizan (1364-1430) stands out as a remarkable female humanist who made significant contributions to literature and philosophy.

Born in Venice and later living in France, Christine was exceptional for her time. She was fluent in both French and Italian, and possibly Latin as well. Tragedy struck when both her husband and father died within a year of each other, leaving her to support her children and mother alone. Christine turned to writing as a means of earning a living, producing works on a wide range of subjects including ethics, politics, and war.

Her most famous work, "The Book of the City of Ladies," was both an imitation of and a response to Boccaccio's "Decameron." Christine's book compiled stories that showcased women's abilities and achievements, challenging the prevailing views of her time.

Other notable female humanists of this period included Laura Cereta and Cassandra Fedele, who followed in Petrarch's footsteps by compiling their letters as literature. Despite these exceptions, humanism in its early stages largely lacked diversity of voice and was primarily centered in Italy. However, this would change as humanist ideas spread across Europe in the following centuries.

The Evolution of Humanism

Erasmus: Championing Kindness and Education

The Dutch humanist Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam (1466-1536) played a crucial role in spreading humanist ideas beyond Italy. Inspired by a speech he heard as a young boy, Erasmus became a passionate advocate for education and self-directed learning.

Erasmus's own experiences of harsh punishment during his school years led him to reject cruelty and intimidation. He believed that human nature was inherently peaceful and loving, drawing evidence from the human body itself. For example, he pointed out that humans have soft bodies suited for safe environments, unlike animals with protective features like claws or thick hides.

Key aspects of Erasmus's humanist philosophy included:

1. Emphasis on kindness and peace
2. Promotion of a rich and diverse education
3. Encouragement of free movement and cultural exchange
4. Valuing diverse perspectives and friendships

Erasmus's legacy continues to influence education today. The ERASMUS+ program, which facilitates student exchanges across Europe, is named in his honor and embodies his vision of cross-cultural learning and understanding.

Montaigne: The Birth of the Personal Essay

Following closely in Erasmus's footsteps was the French humanist Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592). Raised by a humanist father, Montaigne received a comprehensive education in Latin and the classics from an early age.

Like Erasmus, Montaigne abhorred violence and was deeply troubled by the religious conflicts and persecutions of his time. He approached humanism with a unique perspective, often deconstructing and reinterpreting the ideas he encountered.

Montaigne's most significant contribution to literature and humanist thought was the development of the personal essay. His writing style was characterized by:

1. Stream-of-consciousness reflections
2. Personal anecdotes and observations
3. Open-ended inquiry and comfort with uncertainty
4. Focus on human experiences rather than religious doctrine

Montaigne's essays freed humanist thinkers from the constraints of religious writing without rejecting religion entirely. He viewed life and humanity as gifts from God but chose to focus on writing about human experiences and appreciation for those gifts.

Voltaire: Enlightenment and Progress

The 18th century saw the convergence of humanism and the Enlightenment, with thinkers like Voltaire (1694-1778) at the forefront. A pivotal moment in this development was the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, which challenged prevailing religious explanations for human suffering.

Voltaire's famous work "Candide" was a direct response to the earthquake and the philosophical debates it sparked. The novel follows characters who initially believe in the idea that "all is for the best in this best of all possible worlds" – a popular religious notion of the time. Through a series of misfortunes, the characters come to question this belief and ultimately decide to focus on "cultivating their own garden," a metaphor for taking responsibility for improving the world.

Key aspects of Enlightenment humanism, as exemplified by Voltaire, included:

1. Rejection of blind optimism and fatalism
2. Emphasis on human agency in shaping the world
3. Belief in the power of science and reason to solve problems
4. Promotion of empathy as a guide for moral behavior

This period saw many humanists adopt deism, a belief in a creator who no longer actively intervenes in human affairs. This shift allowed for a greater focus on human potential and responsibility.

Humanism in the Modern Era

Thomas Mann: Confronting Fascism

The 20th century brought new challenges to humanist thought, particularly in the form of fascism and totalitarianism. German writer Thomas Mann (1875-1955) exemplifies the humanist response to these threats.

Initially believing that authors should remain apolitical, Mann was forced to reconsider his stance as Hitler and Mussolini began dismantling humanist education and replacing it with propaganda. Mann spoke out against fascism in speeches and fiction, eventually fleeing to Switzerland to protect himself and his family.

During World War II, Mann moved to California, where he wrote "Doctor Faustus" and produced radio addresses to the German people, urging them to reject violence and embrace hope. After the war, he faced new challenges in the form of McCarthyism in the United States, leading him to return to Switzerland.

Mann's experiences highlight the ongoing struggle between humanist values and authoritarian ideologies. His work demonstrates the importance of speaking out against oppression and maintaining hope in the face of adversity.

Humanist Responses to Modern Challenges

The horrors of World War II and the subsequent Cold War led many to question the optimistic view of human nature espoused by earlier humanists. Works like William Golding's "Lord of the Flies" reflected a growing sense of despair about human potential for evil.

In response to these challenges, a group of thinkers came together in 1952 to create a humanist manifesto, which has since been revised and is now maintained by Humanists International. This document outlines the core principles of modern humanism, including:

1. Emphasis on ethics and human rights
2. Promotion of reason, science, and free inquiry
3. Affirmation of human dignity and potential
4. Commitment to democracy and social justice
5. Recognition of the importance of art, music, and literature

Today, humanists continue to face challenges in the form of religious fundamentalism, discrimination, and threats to democracy. However, the humanist response remains consistent: to promote questioning, new ideas, diversity, knowledge, and kindness.

The Enduring Legacy of Humanism

As we reflect on the 700-year journey of humanism explored in "Humanly Possible," several key themes emerge:

1. The power of curiosity and lifelong learning
2. The importance of preserving and building upon human knowledge
3. The value of diverse voices and perspectives
4. The centrality of empathy and kindness in human relations
5. The potential for human progress through reason and science
6. The need to confront and resist oppressive ideologies

Each of the humanist thinkers featured in the book has contributed to this rich tradition:

• Petrarch and Boccaccio showed us the value of passionate research and preservation of knowledge.
• Christine de Pizan demonstrated that women have always had important contributions to make to humanist thought.
• Erasmus and Montaigne emphasized the importance of kindness, education, and open-minded inquiry.
• Voltaire encouraged us to use our capabilities to improve the world around us.
• Thomas Mann showed how to navigate a world that can be hostile to humanist values.

These thinkers, and many others like them, have shaped our understanding of what it means to be human and how we can work together to create a better world.

Conclusion

"Humanly Possible" offers readers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of humanist thought through the ages. By tracing the development of humanism from its Renaissance roots to its modern manifestations, Sarah Bakewell demonstrates the enduring relevance of humanist ideas in our complex and often challenging world.

The book reminds us that at its core, humanism is about celebrating and nurturing the best aspects of our shared humanity. It encourages us to think critically, to pursue knowledge, to empathize with others, and to take responsibility for shaping our world for the better.

As we face the challenges of the 21st century – from climate change to political polarization to rapid technological advancement – the humanist tradition offers valuable insights and approaches. It reminds us of our capacity for reason, creativity, and compassion, and challenges us to use these qualities to address the problems we face.

Ultimately, "Humanly Possible" is not just a history of ideas, but an invitation to engage with the humanist tradition and to consider how its principles might guide us in our own lives and in our collective efforts to build a more just, peaceful, and flourishing world for all.

By understanding the rich history of humanism and the thinkers who have shaped it, we can better appreciate the value of human-centered approaches to ethics, education, politics, and culture. We can also draw inspiration from the courage and creativity of those who have championed humanist ideas in the face of opposition and adversity.

As we move forward, the humanist tradition encourages us to remain curious, compassionate, and committed to the pursuit of knowledge and understanding. It reminds us that while we may face significant challenges, we also possess the tools and capabilities to address them. By embracing our shared humanity and working together, we can continue to push the boundaries of what is humanly possible.