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THE BOOK IN AUSTRALIA
Excerpts of the book "THE CODE FOR GLOBAL ETHICS" can be read in the following book published in Australia:
Macquarie HSC Studies of Religion, 2nd ed.,
by Patricia Hayward and Johnathon Noble,
Macmillan Education Australia, 2007, pp. 262-263/
ISBN: 142020548X
13.1.2 The position of rational humanism
Chapter 13 Non-religious world views
The following are the ‘Ten Commandments of Rational Humanism’. The term ‘Ten Commandments’ here does not refer to any divine revelation, since rational humanists do not generally accept a higher being such as a god. On the other hand, some people might criticise rational humanism as being ‘just another religion’ with its own laws and creed. It is probably reasonable to say that humanism has more organisations and associations than do atheism or agnosticism.
These ‘commandments’ provide a good summary of the important issues for rational humanists.
The ten rules of living and of social behaviour of rational humanism for a more harmonious and just world:
1 Proclaim the natural dignity and inherent worth of all human beings, in all places and in all circumstances.
2 Respect the life and property of others at all times.
3 Practise tolerance and open-mindedness towards the choices and lifestyles of others.
4 Share with those who are less fortunate and mutually assist those who are in need of help.
5 Use neither lies, nor spiritual power, nor temporal power to dominate and exploit others.
6 Rely on reason and science to understand the Universe and to solve life’s problems, avoiding superstitions which numb the mind and are an obstacle to thinking by oneself.
7 Conserve and improve the earth’s natural environment—land, soil, water, air and space— as humankind’s common heritage.
8 Resolve differences and conflicts cooperatively without resorting to violence or to wars.
9 Organise public affairs according to individual freedom and responsibility, through political and economic democracy.
10 Develop one’s intelligence and talents through education and effort, in order to reach fulfilment and happiness, for the betterment of humanity and of future generations.
_____________________________________________________________ —Rodrigue Tremblay, ‘The Ten Commandments of Rational Humanism’
www.sceco.umontreal.ca/liste_personnel/files/rtremblay/en/10comm.htm.
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