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The humanism in Hamlet, shown in the opening lines to the prince’s soliloquy seem to answer the question – Was Shakespeare a Humanist? If William Shakespeare saw the need for reason, it indicates he would have empathy with the human rights issues that confront the world as we know it today.
Humanism in Hamlet, Act ɪɪɪ Scene 1. William Shakespeare
To be, or not to be, that is the question.
Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer
the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune
or to take arms against a sea of troubles,
and by opposing end them. To die, to sleep
no more; and by a sleep to say we end
the heartache and the thousand natural shocks
that flesh is heir to…
Was Shakespeare a Humanist?
William Shakespeare reached the ripe old age of 450 in April 2014. His unprecedented literary work is as alive today as it was in the sixteenth century.
He knew people well. Probably better than any other playwright of his generation. Which means he probably knew who he was extremely well, and was totally comfortable in his skin.
The beauty, complexity and richness of his words are such that players are able to express themselves and interpret the believable characters he created in many ways. Being a humanist he understood the need for reason and I am sure he would have sympathised with the human rights issues that confront our modern world daily. The opening lines in Hamlet’s soliloquy clearly show his awareness.
When I see an athlete collapse, exhausted, in tears in a packed stadium barely able to walk off the field, regardless of the result, I see a person who has given their all.
What is Humanism?
I love this simple definition of Humanism.
Humanism is a progressive philosophy of life that, without theism or other supernatural beliefs, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment that aspire to the greater good.
And Humanism is a rational philosophy informed by science, inspired by art, and motivated by compassion. Affirming the dignity of each human being, it supports the maximization of individual liberty and opportunity consonant with social and planetary responsibility.
American Humanist Association
What do Humanists see?
I see a person who, through his actions, is able to inspire others never to quit.
When I see a rescue worker, barely able to take another step, stagger out of a collapsed building carrying a child still breathing, I see a man of great compassion.
I see a man who through his compassion can inspire others to do compassionate deeds.
When I see an actor immerse himself so deeply in a role that he is overcome with emotion, I see a great communicator.
I see a person who is able to convey the writer’s message, in such a way, that could inspire others to learn the art of communication so lacking in society today.
When I see a public servant, through avarice, abuse the power entrusted in him by denying the basic right of human dignity, I see an impoverished soul.
I see a person so damaged he is lacking in compassion for his fellow man and, thus, without the ability to inspire. And I wonder ‘Why did we give him the power?’
For what sets us apart is not what we achieve, for ourselves, but how we uplift and inspire our children and those less fortunate to achieve that which they thought was impossible. This, in however small measure, is in itself a great achievement of which any man can be proud.
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