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Aspects and Impacts of Humanism in Developing Young Minds Beyond Education

by B.H.S. Thimmappa

Humanism is a rationalist outlook or scientific system of thought attaching prime importance to humans. An overview of essential topics and various aspects of humanism focusing on the primary humanism concepts and critical discussion of the real-world examples indicate that without humanism we could not sustain life on the planet. It will be essential in solving several problems facing humankind, developing a strong sense of community, and working for societal needs and safety. The local, national and global change impacted by every sphere of human activity indicates that we need sustainable socio-economic development, green processes, products, and systems to move in the right direction. The holistic development of the learners via open electives on behavioral sciences, human values, and cultural heritage leads to citizens who can serve society with great dedication and commitment. Higher education specialists should be engaged in educating the learners on humanism and ethical standards in academics that are practically implementable to serve society and even humanity as a whole. The students should actively participate in the community connect events and general humanism awareness programs to fulfill an individual commitment to social responsibility. Value-based education involving universal human values in all domains to serve industries and community act as a vehicle toward social upliftment. The unity in diversity, openness, inclusiveness, patience, patriotism, perseverance, dedication, determination, discipline, compassion, cooperation, and coordination help in creating a conducive environment, and peaceful coexistence and accelerate sustainable development in today’s dynamic world and new digital era. The higher philosophical thought combined with high technology leads to sustainable development philosophy and higher quality of life since we currently live in a world shaped by science and technology.

Today everyone is on their superfast path to success at different levels and the love for higher values in life is fast diminishing. The 21st century is the century of knowledge or innovation that uses knowledge holistically to enrich and empower people. The universal human values in life should be inculcated during the molding period of 8-14 years. A lifelong learning society committed to innovation and humanism is an integral driver of sustainable development with an integrated view of life as a fusion of mind, body, and spirit. It can generate, diffuse, use, and protect knowledge with a human touch and develop an optimistic outlook. Technological development with humanism can create economic wealth, social equity, and a secure environment leading to a peaceful planet. The real challenge ahead is transformative education that involves experiencing a deep, structural shift in the basic premises of thought, feelings, and actions to shape a better future for humankind. Higher education is the most powerful weapon to change the nation and the world at large. The higher education system should generate academically accomplished, professionally dedicated, emotionally balanced, morally upright, socially responsible, and ecologically sensitive individuals. As learning is not linear, transdisciplinary learning beyond traditional disciplines involving stakeholders from policy and civil society should be encouraged in the higher education system to realize sustainable learning and development. Capacity building for transition to a knowledge society is a continuum and it requires sincere effort, intelligent direction, and skillful execution to establish the power of human capital through rational thinking. There are enough natural resources on this planet for everyone’s needs, but not for greed and hence it is better to practice minimalism in all human dimensions and activities, considering the long-term consequences. Therefore, creating humanism awareness among the population, inspiring a developmental shift in attitude, developing scientific spirit, and intensifying integrated and multilevel efforts is essential to enhance the circle of impact and build up a strong countrywide movement. Different aspects of humanism are an instrument of power, ideology, morality, and the noble emotion of radical change that impacts youngsters beyond education.

About the Author:

B.H.S. Thimmappa is a writer from Udupi, India

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