The term humanism is often used in an extremely broad sense to denote the acceptance of the values of the dignity of human beings. In a narrower sense, humanity stands for cultural and intellectual movement, that has started in the Rennaisance (possibly even earlier), inspired in a specific way by people.
Consciousness, autonomy (usually understood in a negative sense as freedom of the tradition and the will of the tyrants), individuality, and control over Nature are among the most distinctive characteristics of this phenomenon.
See also: Anti-Humanism
