Think Tank for Humanism and Enlightenment

The Giordano Bruno Stiftung (gbs) is a think tank for humanism and enlightenment that has been joined by many renowned scientists, philosophers and artists. The foundation is currently backed by more than 10,000 supporting members and 50 regional and university groups.

The foundation's goal is to develop a viable humanistic, rational and evidence-based alternative to the traditional religions and to help it become established in society. This objective is based on the insight that we cannot face the complex challenges of the 21st century using the religious paradigms of the past.

Instead, we need a contemporary view of the world that is in harmony with the results of scientific research and which is ethically and politically consistently oriented towards the individual's right to self-determination (as expressed in the "Universal Declaration of Human Rights") as well as towards the principles of an "open society".

The Giordano Bruno Stiftung adheres to the guiding principle of evolutionary humanism. A clear and concise summary of the central positions of the gbs can be found in the brochure "Enlightenment in the 21st Century" and in the "Manifesto of Evolutionary Humanism", which was written in 2005 by Michael Schmidt-Salomon on behalf of the foundation.

The history of the Giordano Bruno Stiftung is summarized in the Chronology of Main Events. See also the documentary "In Humanity We Trust", produced by Ricarda Hinz for the 10th anniversary of the gbs.

» Anyone capable of splitting the atom and communicating via satellites must have the necessary intellectual and emotional maturity to do so. One of the ways this maturity manifests is through the ability to let false ideas die, before people die for false ideas. «

(Manifesto of Evolutionary Humanism)

Latest news

The Belief in "Gentle Healing": How Rational Is the German Health Care System?

Talk by Natalie Grams on July 28 at Haus Weitblick

2019/06/12

Each year, pharmaceutical manufacturers in Germany sell 670 million euros in homeopathic preparations, the effects of which (unless they are "complex remedies" with largely undiluted components) do not generally go beyond the placebo effect. Critics who refer to corresponding studies are personally attacked and put under legal pressure. Natalie Grams, physician and gbs advisory board member, is in particular subjected to hatred. She will discuss the differences between evidence-based medicine and pseudomedical belief systems at the foundation's headquarters in Oberwesel on 28 July.

The "Torch of Enlightenment" Must Be Carried On

The gbs summer forum for young talents will take place from 7 to 9 August at "Haus Weitblick"

2019/06/11

In its 15 years of existence, the Giordano Bruno Stiftung, as a think tank for humanism and enlightenment, has been able to make an impressive difference. But who will carry on the "torch of enlightenment" when the current active members have to retire due to their age? With the summer forum from August 7 to 9 at the gbs headquarters in Oberwesel, the foundation specifically addresses young people who want to become involved in promoting the guiding principles of evolutionary humanism.

"We're Much Better off Today Than We Were 10 Years Ago"

A conversation about the Secular Bus Campaign, old successes and new challenges

2019/06/03

The Secular Bus Campaign travelled through Germany for almost four weeks to promote the separation of state and church and the constitutional imperative of the worldview neutral state. The tour was accompanied by a considerable organizational and financial investment. Was the effort worth it? The Humanistic Press Service (hpd) spoke with Michael Schmidt-Salomon, who travelled the entire route with the Secular Bus Campaign

"Germany is a Democratic, Social and Worldview Neutral Federal State"

Giordano Bruno Stiftung calls for extension of Article 20 of the German Basic Law

2019/05/21

The Federal Constitutional Court already pointed out in the 1960s that the state can only be a "home of all citizens" if it adheres to the principle of worldview neutrality. The Giordano Bruno Stiftung therefore calls for a corresponding clarification in Article 20 of the German Basic Law. In the future, the article must not only mention the principles of democracy, the welfare state, and federalism, but also the principle of the worldview neutrality of the state.

Languages