The Humanists


     Humanists are people who discuss, philosophize, and write about their view of the ideal human perspective. They study the way people conduct themselves and determine the rationality and morality of their actions. History classifies humanists in two extreme categories, secular and pious. A secular humanist believes in a thought process that does not include religion. Secular humanists are not necessarily atheists, but rather are motivated by other things than God.  Pious humanists, on the other hand, believe that God’s doctrine should be a major influence in decision-making. Thomas More, the architect of the book Utopia, was pious and he believed in the importance of God. Conversely, Erasmus was a secular humanist. He believed that men should act morally without the influence of god.