Humanism in Modern Leftism
By Oliva Potruch
Humanism is the idea that humans as a species are inherently worthy and capable of considerable accomplishments. Though a seemingly simple concept, it fueled the Renaissance that began in Europe in the 15th century, paved the way for innovation, and initiated the advancement of the human race. Allowing greatness brought greatness; education, science, art, government, religion, philanthropy, all were revolutionized and built upon. Before the Renaissance, the common thought was that humans are deeply unworthy and sinful, and must spend their entire lives in pursuit of salvation upon death. Humanism made a person’s life - not just their afterlife - valuable, and inspired so many citizens of the time.
Though humanism fueled a rebirth then, it has been somewhat absent from our current wave of progress. It no longer seems in vogue. Modern leftist activism, powerful and revolutionary, is not characterized by such a great love of humans. Though the attitude is not universal, people do tend to place less worth on themselves and their fellow humans. There is a culture that values exact correctness over varied human experience, and often condemns someone to being ‘bad’ when they make a mistake. People are quick to label and hate one another, and nuance is seemingly absent from wide conversation.
To be clear, this article is no condemnation of modern activism, nor is it an exaltation of 15th century Europe. Humanism was radical and thoughtful and visionary, but it did not apply to everyone. Humanism changed the church, but it did not reform it. Humanism raised up men, but it did not raise up women. Humanism applied to the poor, but it really lent itself to the rich. Meanwhile, activism has brought necessary change; integral rights for those who deserved them long ago, support for marginalized peoples, and an overdue overhaul in public thought and personhood. But regardless of each era’s flaws and strengths, it is deeply important that everyone is valued for who they are, and I don’t believe this to be the case now.
Modern thought is often unkind. Anyone who spends too long in a comments section or on Twitter knows this. Criticism, often necessary, is easy - but so is rudeness. Blind attacks, seeing something you disagree with and leaping to argue against it, is easy. Critical thought is harder, as is reckoning with viewpoints you don’t agree with in a polite and respectful way.
Modern anti-humanism shows up often in the casual phrases we use. For example, saying “all men are trash” can be funny and seen as feminist, while also being demoralizing and hurtful to the many men who are genuinely trying to live their lives as ethical, kind members of society. Self deprecation is also in vogue, and it is common to hear someone say anything from “OMG I’m so clumsy” to “wow I should just die, huh”. Again, this can be funny, but there is evidence to show that joking hatred of one’s self has a higher likelihood to lead to real hatred.
Humanism and individualism were the sparks of a renaissance, the reason that Europeans were able to advance out of misery and stagnancy. It is, in this author’s opinion, a tragedy that it has been so absent from the rebirth of the 21st century. There is plenty of progress now. But there is backsliding, division, misunderstanding, and unkindness. The Renaissance was a birth of debate, people taking their education and using it in radical discourse. In the 21st century, education is both intensely valuable and divisive, and mere facts have become disputable.
To better our society, to build a future that really bridges gaps and raises a new generation to love one another, there needs to be humanism. When there is no recognition that all people are people, there is no standard of respect and kindness between strangers. Humanism brought people out of the darkness when darkness was the norm. Humanism can bring us out of darkness now, if only we let it.
