They trace their roots to the rational philosophy first created in the West in ancient Greece. Many regard Socrates as the first and greatest of Humanists. They value reason over faith; knowledge based on evidence rather than simple belief They reject the concept of God, and regard humans as supreme. From this belief naturally follows: a rejection of a created universe in favor of the theory of evolution and a universe that obeys natural laws a rejection of divinely inspired ethical and moral codes in favor of codes derived by reason from the human condition the belief that full responsibility for the future of the world, its political systems, its ecology, etc rests with humans. There is no God in heaven to intervene and save us from a disaster Many Humanists believe that much historical progress has arisen from the conflict between organized religion and secular society in which the former's beliefs and practices have been replaced. They accept of democracy and reject both theocracy and secular dictatorships as political systems They value freedom of inquiry, expression and action. They have a history of combating bigotry, hatred, discrimination, intolerance and censorship. They are energetic supporters of the separation of church and state They tend to have very liberal beliefs about controversial ethical topics, like abortion, corporal punishment of children, death penalty, enforced prayer in schools, homosexuality, physician assisted suicide, etc. Since they believe that life after death is non-existent, they are highly motivated to alleviating pain and misery around the world. Many are active in environmental groups. Generally speaking, they do not. believe in a God, a Goddess or a combination of Goddesses and Gods. supernatural beings such as angels, demons, Satan, Holy Spirit, etc. heaven or hell or life after death. the separation of a person into body, soul and spirit