Andrew Copson

humanists.ukHow to be a Happy Human by Andrew Copson out for pre-order nowHumanists UK has announced the forthcoming publication of How to be a Happy Human: Seven Humanist Foundations for a Better Life, a new book on living well by Chief Executive Andrew Copson. Published b...

Delighted (& definitely happy!) to finally be able to share this properly: my new book, 'How to be a Happy Human: Seven Humanist Foundations for a Better Life' – out on 19 November & available for pre-order now. www.waterstones.com/book/how-to-...

Andrew Copson reposted

Understanding Humanism

@humanismedu.bsky.social

21h

Committed to a humanist approach to life? Good communicator? Enthusiastic about helping young people learn about humanism? Then you could make a great Humanists UK school speaker! Applications for our 5 December course close this Friday, 30 October. Find out more ⬇️ humanists.uk/school-speak...

humanists.ukSchool Speaker TrainingAre you committed to a humanist approach to life? A good communicator? Enthusiastic about using your knowledge and personal experience to help young people learn about humanism? If the answer is yes,...

observer.co.ukHero to zero: justice catches up with Odysseus after 3,00...A mock trial in the supreme court held by the education charity Classics for All found Homer’s protagonist guilty of gross negligence for losing his entire fleet

Great coverage in The Observer today by Patrick Kidd of Classics for All’s mock trial of Odysseus at the Supreme Court! observer.co.uk/news/nationa...

classicsforall.org.ukClassics for AllClassics for All supports state schools across the UK, many in areas of socio-economic disadvantage, to introduce or develop the teaching of classical subjects sustainably on the curriculum or as an a...

At @classicsforall.bsky.social we work for all pupils in state schools across the UK to have the opportunity to study classical subjects, regardless of their ability or background. Support us! classicsforall.org.uk

I was trepidatious about seeing a stage version of my favourite novel and one so challenging to all would-be adapters, but Nina Raine has triumphed with her Middlemarch. The presence of George Eliot as a character is perfect. New light is even shone on some characters. If you get the chance, see it!

My grandma and I sat for months beside my grandad as he was dying. One day, after a long silence, she looked at me and said, ‘Enjoy your life – that’s all I can say.’ Simple words. But in that room, they were profound. And they have stayed with me ever since.🧵

Most of my career has been spent talking about humanism’s history and ethics, and the rights and freedoms it defends. But the thing I think about most, and talk about least, is how a humanist approach can help us live good, fulfilling lives.

humanists.ukHow to be a Happy Human: Seven Humanist Foundations for a Better LifeHumanists UK has announced the forthcoming publication of How to be a Happy Human: Seven Humanist Foundations for a Better Life, a new book on living well by Chief Executive Andrew Copson. Published b...

And that is why I wrote How to be a Happy Human: a book about living well, day to day, in this one life. It’s out on 19 November. If you’re thinking of getting a copy, for yourself or someone you care about, pre-ordering helps it reach many more readers. humanists.uk/howtobeahapp...

Andrew Copson reposted

Delighted to be at the Embassy of Ireland (where they fly the UN flag all year round) for the reception to mark UN Day this evening. Imperfect as all institutions are, the multilateral system remains the only hope for peace and justice in our world.

On my way to a reception for UN Day passing these apposite words on the RAF monument in Green Park.

Good fun to become a Freeman of the City of London yesterday! I can now legally drive my sheep across London Bridge.

Juno entering autumn camouflage mode!

A sparkling and powerful jewel of a little book. Speaking up for the transformative power of fiction and nature writing alike. Would recommend!

Making my way through the Booker Prize shortlist and this really is a brilliant book for the middle aged reader. A perfect encapsulation of a life and a moment in a life.

@humanistceremonies.bsky.social

(I am feeling very middle aged right now)

Andrew Copson reposted

Humanist Ceremonies

When someone dies, the people who knew them need somewhere to express their grief. For as long as there have been people, that place has been a funeral in some form or another. humanists.uk/ceremonies/f...

jesus.cam.ac.ukVisiting FellowsVisiting Fellowships are offered to people of distinction for their outstanding achievements beyond normal academic circles.

A humanist called to Jesus? Yes. Delighted to have been appointed a Visiting Fellow at @jesuscollegecam.bsky.social for the next three years. Looking forward to stimulating conversations with students and fellow fellows. Thank you to the College for the privilege. www.jesus.cam.ac.uk/college/peop...

bbc.co.ukJD Vance casts doubt on firing squad execution and says he won't watch itThe planned execution of Nidal Hasan by firing squad would be the first military execution in more than 60 years.

No one should minimise the suffering caused at Fort Hood, and survivors, bereaved families, and the whole of society need to see justice done. But execution is not justice. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Every human life has value, and a just society should aim to reform and protect rather than take life in retribution. The moral example of execution is degrading and even worse is to turn this act of degradation into a spectacle.

We can only hope that the US government steps back from the brink of this sickening erosion of decency and civilisation. And also hope - this may be the only time I ever say this – that JD Vance is right.

Andrew Copson reposted

themirror.comAnger as man sentenced to death for Facebook commentThe comment was reportedly screenshotted and passed to Saudi authorities and to his employer, which led to his arrest

Replying to @humanists.uk

'Everyone has the right to speak freely about religion, and no one should ever face punishment for doing so, much less be put to death. And yet, Anojan Sivarasa has been condemned to die because of a post made on Facebook.' @andrewcopson.bsky.social. www.themirror.com/news/world-n...

Andrew Copson reposted

Replying to @humanists.uk

Pre-order @andrewcopson.bsky.social's new book: How to be a Happy Human: Seven humanist Foundations for a Better Life, today. Available at all good bookshops. #Howtobeahappyhuman humanists.uk/howtobeahapp...

Andrew Copson reposted

Alf Dubs

@alfdubs.bsky.social

10 Sept

Published today and available in all good bookshops or so I'm told! geni.us/TheBoyWithTh...

How is it possible in this advanced technological age that there are still phones that make a little click when you type their keyboard and why are there some people who think it is acceptable to use them in a quiet train carriage?

Looking forward to some good theatre tonight!

We didn't marry Andy Burnham, but we did meet a great many MPs & Peers (Cabinet Ministers included) at Labour Conference who gave strong support for our campaign for legal humanist marriages in England and Wales. Thanks to everyone who popped to our stand for a chat and attended our fringe event!

humanists.ukVictory! Northern Ireland Conversion Practices Ban Bill passes key voteThe Northern Ireland Assembly has voted to pass the Conversion Practices (Criminalisation) Bill at Second Stage. MLAs voted 46 in favour and 29 against, with 15 abstentions. Northern Ireland Humanists...

Northern Ireland leading the way!

bbc.comSeven celebrities embark on an ancient pilgrim route for Pilgrimage series 9The series returns to BBC Two and iPlayer in 2027

A brilliant ambassador for @humanists.uk! I know Janet will do us proud. Great opportunity to show a wider audience how a thoughtful, non-religious outlook can enrich conversations about belief, meaning, and what it is to be human. Can't wait to watch.

Andrew Copson reposted

bbc.co.ukIlluminated - Faithless - BBC SoundsExamining the line between religious devotion and unhealthy control.

Listening to the BBC Radio 4 documentary 'Faithless' last night, I was moved by the courage of the apostates who shared their stories, and heartened to see the BBC spotlight such an underrepresented group. www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

Andrew Copson reposted

humanists.ukRecovered from religion | Oxford Humanists | Humanists UKOur October meeting is entitled “Recovered from Religion”. This evening will feature people sharing their lived experiences of moving from membership of a religious group, through questioning and…

In Oxford? Hear lived experiences of leaving religion and finding humanism with Oxford Humanists at'Recovered from Religion' on 13 October. This event is free but registration is essential. Head to our website to find all our Local Group events! humanists.uk/civicrm/even...

Andrew Copson reposted

humanists.ukHumanists UK mourns Dame Esther Rantzen (1940–2026)Humanists UK is saddened to announce the death of Dame Esther Rantzen, the trailblazing broadcaster, founder of Childline, and stalwart campaigner for the right to die, aged 86. Already known to…

Replying to @humanists.uk

She understood that the right to choose a peaceful death is a fundamental human freedom. Her legacy is not just in the charities she founded, but in the compassion she awakened in the public consciousness regarding the end of life. She changed the debate, and we are deeply grateful for her courage.

Andrew Copson reposted

Humanists UK mourns Dame Esther Rantzen (1940–2026) Esther was a great champion of human dignity. She approached her final years with the same fearless determination that defined her career of advocacy, using her own experience to shine a light on the suffering caused by our outdated laws.

Andrew Copson reposted

Alf Dubs

@alfdubs.bsky.social

I'm so very sad to hear of the death of Esther Ranzen who played an important role in reuniting me with Nicky Winton - the man who saved my life. It's so desperately sad that she couldn't choose assisted dying as was her wish.

bbc.co.ukIlluminated - Faithless - BBC SoundsExamining the line between religious devotion and unhealthy control.

humanists.ukFtF Crowdfunder 2026

Many listeners will be wondering how they can help. That's why we've just launched a crowdfunder for @faith2faithless.bsky.social, the @humanists.uk service that makes sure that people facing the toughest journey of their lives don't have to face it alone. humanists.uk/donate/actio...

humanists.ukGroundbreaking documentary on Faith to Faithless to air on Radio 4A groundbreaking radio documentary Faithless will air on Radio 4 this Sunday, following the story of four supporters of Faith to Faithless, Humanists UK’s award winning service supporting people who h...

Wonderful to see such a warm Radio Times review of this vital documentary

Andrew Copson@andrewcopson.bsky.social

People leaving high-control religions face profound consequences yet their experiences are rarely heard. BBC's "Faithless" gives four the space to tell their stories in their own words. Proud @humanists.uk supports so many such and grateful to them for speaking so openly.

bbc.co.ukMoral Maze - 23/09/2026 - BBC SoundsLive debate examining the moral issues behind one of the week's news stories. #moralmaze

Last night closed my first run as a Moral Maze panellist. Three episodes: on AI, billionaires, and whether pop can ever escape politics. Sharp witnesses, generous fellow panellists, brilliant producers. Loved every minute. Listen to last night's ⬇️ www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

Andrew Copson reposted

Andrew Copson reposted

Replying to @andrewcopson.bsky.social

Available for pre-order now: Waterstones 😊 bit.ly/4hpL0Za Hive 😊 bit.ly/3TJmZUZ Blackwell's 😊 bit.ly/4dxBUZ0 Amazon 😊 bit.ly/4y268el (and all other leading bookshops)

Andrew Copson reposted

classicsforall.org.ukAndrew Copson OBE appointed Chair of Classics for AllClassics for All is delighted to announce the appointment of Andrew Copson OBE as Chair of Trustees. Andrew will take up the role in early October, succeeding Jimmy Mulville, who has chaired the chari...

Delighted to become Chair of the Board at @classicsforall.bsky.social, the national charity dedicated to giving every state school pupil the chance to study the ancient world. I have loved and supported this life-changing charity since it began in 2010. classicsforall.org.uk/news-and-eve...

Andrew Copson reposted

Replying to @andrewcopson.bsky.social

Tim Minchin @timminchin.bsky.social sums it up best: a book about 'how to be good and feel good without kidding yourself’. No gimmicks, no life overhauls. Just seven simple foundations based on 2500 years of humanist thought, & contemporary science and psychology. Looking forward to publication day!

bbc.co.ukMoral Maze - 23/09/2026 - BBC SoundsLive debate examining the moral issues behind one of the week's news stories. #moralmaze

Can artists be morally and politically neutral?: this week's topic on BBC Radio 4's 'Moral Maze'. (you can probably guess who we're talking about!) Great to debate alongside fellow panelists Ash Sarkar, Giles Fraser, Ella Whelan & presenter @williamcrawley.bsky.social www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

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I have never forgotten the world that opened up for me. And I’m so pleased to be joining Classics for All to help bring the same opportunity to many more young people, whatever their background.

classicsforall.org.ukDonatePlease help us achieve our vision of giving every UK state school pupil access to classical subjects, regardless of their background or ability, by considering a gift today.

Classics for All works with inspiring teachers in state schools to introduce and sustain subjects such as Latin, Ancient Greek, Ancient History and Classical Civilisation. Support us! classicsforall.org.uk/donate

The study of the ancient world is one of the greatest sources of fascination and fulfillment there is, and every young person should have the right to experience it.

I was fortunate enough to have that chance myself, through a Government assisted place in the 1980s, and when I became the first in my family to go away to university it was to read Classics.