Humanism is an important subject that has been in existence, as a philosophy, since the Renaissance in the 1500's. Yet few know what humanism means, and what it refers to. This paper will provide definitions of humanism, as well as a brief history. With these in mind, thus, one is better prepared to then understand the philosophy and, if needed, apply it to daily life. As a definition, humanism means, according to the Free Dictionary, any of four things:

as a philosophy, it signified "the denial of any power or moral value superior to that of humanity" as well as the rejection of religion in favor of a belief in the ability of humanity and its advancement through its own efforts;

it can also signify the philosophical position that "stresses the autonomy of human reason in contradistinction to the authority of the Church";

Web. 30 Oct. 2011. .]
In order to dig deeper, however, one can also-based humanism definitions on the following ten points, offered as a guidance to a better understanding of the philosophy. As humanism got its start during the Renaissance, and was further impacted by the Enlightenment, one can surely state that one of the most important aspects of humanism is its complete rejection of religion and its complete approval of humanity's abilities. Humanism has, needless…