The Aspect of Liberal Humanism in South African Society: A Study on Nadine Gordimer’s My Sons Story

Abstract

In recent years the term ‘humanism’ has often been used to refer to value systems that emphasize the personal worth of each individual but do not include a belief in God. Though much humanistic activity was specifically Christian in intention and though the majority of humanists made firm avowals of faith, the relationship between Christianity and humanism is complex and not wholly untroubled. Humanism means the human beings are endowed with some characteristics of God. Human persons are truly human only when they tend towards God and reflect the divine purpose in their entire lives. Liberal humanism upholds the comprehensive outlook of human life. It is based on human dignity, promoting love, and justice with the principle of ethics. Hence human labor becomes primary and human relationship remains secondary. The uniqueness of the individual with human dignity are missing in Marxian humanism.Gordimer’s major concern in writing is to make human persons feel the worth of their being human.