Midlife Crisis Through the Lens of Humanism

Am I a Humanist? The answer feels elusive, yet my heart leans toward the conviction that I am on the path to becoming one. In a world often shrouded in darkness and confusion, Humanism emerges as a beacon, steadfastly navigating the turbulent waters of existence—midlife crisis included—with poise and dignity. 

Humanism Provides Solace During a Midlife Crisis

At its essence, Humanism—especially in its Renaissance form—presents a refreshing lens through which to view the often tumultuous journey of midlife. 

It champions our inherent rationality, dignity, and potential for goodness, urging us to engage with the human condition in a genuine way. Indeed, this philosophy is as beautiful as it sounds.

By pursuing knowledge and understanding free from dogmatic constraints, we can traverse the intricate landscape of midlife with both grace and humor. 

Engaging with the lives and ideas of humanist luminaries like Petrarch, Boccaccio, Christine de Pizan, Erasmus, Montaigne, Voltaire, and Thomas Mann provides invaluable insight into our personal struggles. 

These thinkers offer us a roadmap through the existential questions that often accompany a midlife crisis, revealing that even amid uncertainty, we can discover purpose and connection. 

Sarah Bakewell’s remarkable book, *Humanly Possible*, invites readers from all walks of life to delve into the wisdom of Humanism, equipping us with tools to navigate the complexities of our existence. 

As we explore her insights, we find a profound understanding of how Humanism’s emphasis on human potential, individual experience, and the pursuit of knowledge can illuminate the path through the transformative landscape of middle life.

Humanism, with its emphasis on human potential, individual experience, and the pursuit of knowledge, provides invaluable insights and tools for those grappling with a midlife crisis. 

During this transformative stage, we may find ourselves questioning our accomplishments and sense of purpose, yet Humanism celebrates the inherent dignity and worth of every individual. It encourages us to reflect on our unique contributions and aspirations, fostering a renewed sense of self-worth. 

As we embrace the principles of lifelong learning and self-exploration, this midlife phase transforms into a golden opportunity for reassessing our values, passions, and goals. Diving into new activities or revisiting long-forgotten hobbies becomes a pathway for personal growth, leading to a deeper understanding of ourselves.

In moments of isolation, Humanism inspires us to seek meaningful relationships and share experiences, allowing us to build supportive communities that offer comfort and perspective.

What matters most in our lives? 

Humanism advocates for a purposeful existence rooted in human experience and the common good. 

By reflecting on how we can contribute positively to our communities, we can alleviate feelings of stagnation and despair. 

As societal pressures regarding aging can amplify our feelings of inadequacy, Humanism encourages us to challenge these norms, redefining what it means to age gracefully. 

Life is still brimming with opportunities for growth and change if we dare to identify and reach for them.

Life’s challenges are inevitable, and Humanism teaches us that setbacks are integral to the human experience. 

By cultivating a resilient mindset, we can reframe our midlife crisis as a potential catalyst for positive change rather than a sign of failure. 

Self-awareness and self-reflection become crucial tools, as Humanism encourages us to become more attuned to our thoughts and feelings, reducing anxiety and fostering a sense of calm. 

Creativity, Community and Curiosity as powerful antidotes for wrestling with the turbulence of midlife

Humanism affirms that art and literature are vital components of the human experience. By embracing creativity, we can embark on a journey of catharsis, self-discovery, and renewed passion for life.

Community and support are essential during this transformative time. 

Many humanist organizations foster environments of belonging and connection, providing a sanctuary for those navigating similar challenges in midlife. 

An open mindset becomes our ally as we embrace curiosity and new experiences, allowing us to feel comfortable in our own skin, liberated from expectations that no longer serve us. 

But you’re here for the deep dive, right? Let’s go!

A Closer Look at Humanists

At its essence, Humanism emphasizes the value of exploration—an ideal particularly relevant during midlife when existential questions abound. 

A midlife crisis often feels like an awakening, prompting a reevaluation of identity, accomplishments, and aspirations. 

Just as Petrarch and Boccaccio rebelled against societal expectations to pursue their passions for literature, those in a midlife crisis may find themselves yearning for renewed purpose and the freedom to redefine their paths. 

The stories of these humanists teach us that our struggles can become a canvas for growth and creativity.

Each individual’s experience is unique yet interconnected

Petrarch’s sorrow during the bubonic plague echoes the loss and grief many of us face in midlife, whether due to personal loss, unrealized dreams, or societal pressures. 

In his Letters on Family Matters, Petrarch reflects:  “The year of 1348 left us alone and helpless(…) Where are our sweet friends now? Where are the beloved faces? Where are the agreeable words, where the soothing and pleasant conversation? What lightning bolt devoured them? What earthquake overturned them? What storm submerged them? What abyss swallowed them? Once we were all together, now we are quite alone. We should make new friends, but where or with whom, when the human race is nearly extinct, and it is predicted that the end of the world is soon at hand? We are — why pretend? — truly alone.” 

In these poignant words, he encapsulates the profound loneliness that often accompanies midlife reflections. This stage of life can be marked by the loss of parents and friends, the weight of debilitating illnesses, and the heartache of painful divorces. It is a time when dreams of starting a family may fade and the reality sets in that retirement may not unfold as comfortably as once envisioned.

Much like Petrarch’s empathetic letters, this period invites us to reach out and forge connections, nurturing deeper relationships and enhancing our understanding of ourselves. We need not navigate these challenges in solitude; together, we can find solace and strength in shared experiences.

Carving a place for Humanist Women

The remarkable journey of Renaissance humanist Christine de Pizan as a writer in a male-dominated society exemplifies the resilience required to carve out a meaningful existence amid life’s adversities. 

In her groundbreaking work, The Book of the City of Ladies, written in 1405, she crafts a narrative that not only defends women against the misogyny of her time but also showcases their accomplishments, advocating for a more balanced understanding of gender roles.

Through the construction of her symbolic city, she lays the foundation for future feminist thought, a sanctuary where women can thrive and have their voices heard.

Christine’s narrative resonates profoundly with the experience of midlife for women, exploring themes of self-reflection, empowerment, and community. 

Just as Christine embarks on a quest to redefine women’s roles, many women navigating a midlife crisis find themselves reassessing their identities and aspirations, striving to reclaim their agency and challenge societal expectations that can be particularly burdensome.

The supportive community Christine constructs symbolizes the importance of connection during this transformative period, encouraging women to seek solidarity and shared experiences. 

Ultimately, Christine’s work serves as a timeless reminder of the strength and resilience women possess as they navigate the complexities of midlife.

Other women who embraced the humanist ideals of Petrarch and Boccaccio include Laura Cereta, who published her letters as literature, and Cassandra Fedele, who corresponded with a respected tutor of the Medici family, only to be condescended and ignored. 

Eventually, she became the prioress of an orphanage and, at ninety, delivered a Latin welcome speech during the Polish queen’s visit to Venice in 1556. 

Despite these exceptions, humanism as a developing philosophy largely lacked diverse voices and predominantly emerged from Italy. But not for too long, as we’ll see.

Erasmus: Humans are Kind by Design

In 1480, a Dutch humanist named Rudolf Agricola delivered a compelling discourse at a school in the Netherlands, advocating for the pursuit of personal education beyond formal schooling. 

He urged students to seek knowledge in history, philosophy, and poetry, encouraging them to engage with primary sources rather than rely solely on translations.

A young boy named Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam, profoundly moved by this speech, would go on to become one of the greatest humanists of all time. 

Erasmus penned works that spanned various genres, from dialogues to theological tracts, and his experiences of cruelty and intimidation during his schooling fueled his abhorrence for violence.

In Erasmus’s view, human nature is inherently inclined toward kindness and compassion. He believed that just as animals possess physical attributes that indicate their capabilities, so too do humans embody traits suggesting a capacity for love and connection.

Erasmus posited that human nature was made for peace and love. He believed the clues to this were in the human body. All animals have traits that reveal their nature and abilities. Birds have feathers and wings, showing they’re made to fly. Similarly, humans have expressive eyes, arms to embrace, and soft bodies for thriving in peaceful environments.

Erasmus also championed the importance of education and diverse relationships. His advocacy for diversity encouraged individuals to forge connections, exchange knowledge, and embrace multiple perspectives, thereby enriching their understanding of the world.

In 1987, an organization was established to facilitate educational opportunities for students across Europe, allowing them to study abroad and earn credits in different countries. This initiative, known as ERASMUS+, echoes Erasmus’s vision of connectivity and exchange.

Inner Exploration with Montaigne

Following closely in Erasmus’s footsteps was Michel de Montaigne, whose father’s commitment to humanism afforded him a rich education steeped in the humanities. Montaigne, much like Erasmus, loathed violence and was deeply affected by the civil strife of his time.

He reshaped humanism by deconstructing the texts he encountered and reassembling them with his unique perspective. Montaigne’s contributions to the personal essay form and his stream-of-consciousness style predated the modernist movement, revealing his affinity for inquiry and openness to change.

For a deep dive on Montaigne’s writing explorations, check our post “Journaling like Montaigne – with Prompts”

He freed humanist discourse from rigid religious confines, preferring to explore the beauty of human existence and its inherent gifts. Life, he believed, should be cherished and celebrated, not subjected to self-loathing or disdain.

Empathy and Progress through Voltaire

In 1755, a devastating earthquake struck Lisbon, claiming countless lives during a church service and triggering a tsunami that compounded the tragedy. The estimated death toll reached around 70,000, and the aftermath reverberated throughout Europe.

At that time, the Church propagated the notion that all was as it should be—that divine providence governed the world in its best form, and thus human suffering was a necessary facet of existence. 

This fatalistic perspective encouraged people to set aside personal grief for the sake of a grander divine plan.

However, humanists across the continent began to reject this philosophy, none more famously than Voltaire. His seminal work, Candide, emerged in response to the Lisbon earthquake, chronicling the journey of two men who initially embrace the idea that “all is for the best in the best of all possible worlds.”

As the narrative unfolds, their optimism is relentlessly challenged. They encounter various injustices and ultimately recognize the necessity of taking action to improve their circumstances. 

This mirrors the modern world’s practical response to disaster, such as how Japanese architects have perfected earthquake-proof buildings, transforming tragedy into a catalyst for innovation and resilience.

Through humor and wit, Voltaire crafts a poignant critique of the existing world order while underscoring the imperative to remain engaged and compassionate.

Voltaire’s skepticism urges us to remain vigilant against complacency and self-deception, pushing back against the notion that suffering is an immutable aspect of life. Instead, he champions the belief that through empathy and collaboration, we can create a brighter future.

Humanism encourages us to cultivate empathy and kindness, urging us to seek out the beauty of shared experiences and collective progress. In a time marked by division and uncertainty, Humanism provides a refuge, reminding us of the inherent worth of every individual and the transformative potential of kindness.

Welcoming Vulnerability in the Face of Aging

At the heart of Humanism lies a commitment to authentic vulnerability, inviting us to acknowledge the complexities of our emotions as we navigate midlife.

For women especially, embracing vulnerability can be a profound act of courage. It offers a pathway for personal growth, self-discovery, and connection. Through our openness, we foster deeper relationships and contribute to a collective understanding and empathy.

In the face of aging, vulnerability beckons us to confront our fears and insecurities. Acknowledging our struggles and uncertainties can lead to profound personal transformations.

Petrarch, Christine, Erasmus, Montaigne, and Voltaire stand as timeless beacons of wisdom, urging us to navigate the intricacies of midlife with courage and authenticity. As we embrace our humanity, we create a space where compassion, creativity, and connection can flourish.

In this dynamic landscape, midlife no longer needs to be a source of anxiety but can instead be celebrated as an opportunity for growth, discovery, and transformation.

So, let us ask ourselves again: Am I a Humanist? Perhaps the answer lies not in a definitive label but in the courageous exploration of what it means to be human.

Humanism offers a lens through which we can navigate the complexities of midlife crisis. By embracing our humanity and recognizing the interconnectedness of our experiences, we can transform this period from despair into an opportunity for profound discovery. 

Ultimately, exploring our inner selves—much like the pursuits of humanist thinkers—can lead us toward a more authentic and fulfilling life. Embracing this journey may not only illuminate our own paths but also inspire those around us to embark on their quests for meaning and self-discovery.

If you want to keep exploring, you might find these resources useful:

Foundational Humanist Texts

1. “The Humanist Manifesto” (various editions) – A series of declarations outlining humanist principles, emphasizing reason, ethics, and justice.
2. “Humanism: A Very Short Introduction” by Stephen Law – An accessible overview that explains the key concepts and historical background of Humanism.
3. “Humanly Possible: Seven Hundred Years of Humanism” by Sarah Bakewell – A modern exploration of humanism’s evolution and impact on culture and society.

Classic Humanist Literature

4. “The Book of the City of Ladies” by Christine de Pizan – A foundational feminist text that constructs a narrative supporting women’s rights and contributions.
5. “Letters to a Friend” by Petrarch – A collection of letters reflecting Petrarch’s thoughts on human experience and the challenges of his time.

Modern Interpretations

6. “How to Be a Humanist: Six Steps to Human Flourishing” by Greg M. Epstein – A practical guide to applying humanist principles in everyday life.
7. “Humankind: A Hopeful History” by Rutger Bregman – This book challenges pessimistic views of human nature, presenting evidence of human kindness and cooperation, and arguing for a humanist perspective that emphasizes the positive aspects of humanity.
8. “Humanism for the Twenty-First Century” by Paul Kurtz – A collection of essays advocating for a revitalized Humanism that addresses contemporary social issues and promotes rational thinking and secular ethics.

Anthologies and Collections

8. “The Portable Humanist Reader” edited by David L. Wiggins – A curated collection of essential humanist writings across history.
9. “The Oxford Handbook of Humanism” edited by Mickey M. M. Lee and Gregory Paul R. O’Connor – A scholarly overview of contemporary humanism, exploring its various dimensions and applications.

Organizations and Institutions

10. American Humanist Association (AHA) – An organization advocating for humanist principles in social justice, education, and policy.
11. Humanists International – A global organization representing humanist groups, promoting human rights and ethical values.

Educational Resources

12. Center for Inquiry (CFI) – An organization that focuses on promoting humanist thought, secularism, and scientific inquiry through various programs and publications.
13. The Humanist Institute – An educational program that offers courses and resources on humanism, social change, and ethical leadership.