First intuition, then culture

That is why it is always beneficial to have something “at hand” to help us think about the world around us—something that helps us to see things from a different perspective and steers our lives in a positive direction. Humanism, which has been with us from the beginning of times and is defined as the human pursuit of goodness, dignity, and happiness, may serve as the foundation and point of reference.

It makes no difference whether we believe in God or not: “Every person should be aware of their unique individuality, so that they can enjoy freedom, value cooperation with others, and ensure their work strengthens in them the obvious optimism that life, as long as it lasts, should affirm” (Jacek Tabisz, New Humanism).

Humanism is taking on new forms in the new millennium. Artificial intelligence is prompting us to seek a greater purpose in our humanity. Many assessments and works focus on what the future holds for humanity. Scholars, artists, poets, and even each of us feel engaged in our planet’s ecology, instinctively seeking contact with animals and nature. Wisława Szymborska’s poems focus on these ties, wondering, “We’ve diminished in relation to animals—who will diminish us?” (Iwona Gralewicz-Wolny).

Goodness is embedded in us

Many authors and philosophers, in exploring new research areas about human history, utilize terminology like “neo-humanism,” “posthumanism,” or even “transhumanism.” These terms make sense for research purposes, but in my view, I believe that humanism has existed from the beginning of time.

Since the dawn of humanity, people have sought goodness, used it, and incorporated it into their daily lives. “In the end, a crab, even in the heart of New Guinea, is still a crab; hell is still hell, and schizophrenia is still schizophrenia. I want to demonstrate that compassion is compassion, and well-being is well-being, no matter where we observe them” (Sam Harris, The Moral Landscape).

We often wrongly rely on intellect rather than intuition. However, intellect is more tied to culture than to our humanity. We intuitively sense that morality is measurable. Science should be searching for those measurements in the name of our humanity.

Goodness is measurable and universal, and as humanists, standing above culture, we do not accept many customs that contradict human rights. One only needs to mention the Albanian hakmarrja or female genital mutilation (FGM).

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Let’s learn to talk

Each of us may help to improve the human state. Entrepreneurs, in particular, should play an important role in promoting shared well-being. Entrepreneurs, who are frequently outstanding managers, must grasp their new position in a changing environment. After all, their riches benefit society, and they spend just a percentage of their life’s fortune. The important thing is not so much increasing wealth, but focusing on the social values of business.

The answer to changes in the world may lie in a fundamental shift in primary education, where the primary purpose will become teaching values.

The Fiducia Foundation recommends this strategy using the K’IDS Transposition Method. The foundation of this strategy is teaching values in the educational process. The priorities for teaching are included in the CPUS list (What Should Schools Teach), which is an open list that maintains existing school programs. The key change would involve developing unique lesson plans for individual subjects that use knowledge to teach values.

When we meet other people, we don’t have to agree with their views. The most essential thing is that we can talk to them. Therefore, the foundational value of the K’IDS Transposition Method is Conversation. Conversation has many aspects, synonyms, and shades: dialogue, discussion, debate, chat, brainstorming, consultation, and so on. The ability to listen, understand, and respond thoughtfully is something we often lack—yet it is a skill we should cultivate from the very beginning of our lives.

Read the text in Polish: Najpierw intuicja, potem kultura