Humanly Possible by Sarah Bakewell Summary

Humanly Possible explores 700 years of humanist thought, tracing its core principles of freethinking, rational inquiry, and hope through figures like Montaigne, Kant, and modern thinkers. Bakewell argues that humanism—rooted in ethics, reason, and human dignity—remains vital in confronting today’s challenges, from authoritarianism to AI. The book balances historical narrative with urgent relevance, emphasizing humanity’s capacity for progress despite imperfection.

This book is ideal for readers interested in philosophy, history, or ethics, particularly those curious about humanism’s evolution and its modern applications. Educators, advocates of secularism, and anyone seeking inspiration from thinkers who prioritized reason and empathy will find value. Bakewell’s accessible style also appeals to general audiences exploring timeless questions about human purpose.

Yes—critics praise Bakewell’s ability to distill complex ideas into engaging prose, earning accolades like the Windham-Campbell Prize. The book offers a timely defense of humanist values amid political and technological upheaval, blending scholarly depth with relatable storytelling. Readers gain both historical insight and a framework for addressing contemporary moral dilemmas.

Bakewell identifies three pillars: freethinking (moral autonomy), inquiry (reason over dogma), and hope (faith in human potential). She expands on Tzvetan Todorov’s triad—autonomy of the self, recognition of others, and universal human rights—to argue that humanism thrives by embracing imperfection and collective progress.

The book critiques early humanism’s exclusion of women, non-Europeans, and marginalized groups, highlighting how later thinkers broadened its scope. Bakewell emphasizes inclusivity, noting modern humanism’s push to extend dignity and rights to all, reflecting evolving social justice movements.

1. “Humanism… regards man as a natural object… capable of self-realization through reason”: Bakewell illustrates debates over humanism’s definition, acknowledging its complexity.
2. “Language… is a moral activity”: Ties communication to humanitas, stressing empathy and clarity.
3. “Nothing entirely straight can be fabricated” (Kant): Reinforces Bakewell’s theme of embracing human flaws.

Like How to Live (on Montaigne), this book blends biography with philosophical analysis, offering accessible insights into intellectual history. However, Humanly Possible adopts a broader chronological scope, connecting Renaissance thinkers to 20th-century humanists like Sartre and Beauvoir.

Bakewell links historical humanism to modern issues: combating misinformation, ethical AI development, and preserving democracy. The book serves as a manifesto for maintaining human-centric values in an increasingly automated and polarized world.

Some reviewers question whether pre-19th-century thinkers fit modern humanist definitions. Bakewell counters by highlighting enduring themes—reason, empathy, anti-authoritarianism—that transcend eras, affirming humanism’s adaptive, inclusive legacy.

Bakewell frames imperfection not as a flaw but a shared condition requiring collective effort. Figures like Montaigne and Todorov exemplify how acknowledging limits fosters resilience and ethical growth, countering utopian ideologies.

Bakewell combines rigorous research with narrative flair, weaving personal anecdotes and humor into historical analysis. Her focus on marginalized voices and interdisciplinary connections (literature, science, activism) enriches humanism’s story.

Hope here is active—not passive optimism but a commitment to incremental progress. Bakewell cites humanists who persevered through crises (e.g., fascism, censorship), demonstrating how hope fuels advocacy for justice and free expression.