Conversation about Humanism : Materialism [ 23rd March 2025 ]

1 April 2025 by

In true conversational spirit, this session was lively, thought-provoking, and filled with personal reflections. Nora opened the floor with an imaginative question:

“Imagine you received $10 million overnight. What’s the first thing you’d do with it?”

Responses were diverse—many said they would donate to charity, invest in education, and keep a portion for personal use. One participant said they’d take time off to travel the world. And in a wonderfully grounded moment, someone asked, “Where did the $10 million come from?”—reminding us that even daydreams come with taxes and consequences!

We then dove into the heart of the conversation:
What comes to mind when you hear the word Materialism?

Participants shared that materialism often evokes ideas of wealth accumulation, possessions, and lifestyle. This led to a deeper question:

“At what point does ‘wanting a good life’ become ‘excessive materialism’?”

The conversation also explored how different philosophies and cultures view materialism. The idea of Positive Materialism was introduced and unpacked—highlighting how wealth can be embraced as a means to do good, rather than an end in itself. Participants also reflected on the concept of Mindful Materialism, which encourages conscious, value-driven use of resources.

The session concluded with a reflective prompt:
“If you had all the material wealth in the world but could only keep one non-material thing, what would it be?”

And a fitting quote to close the discussion:
👉 “Use wealth as a tool for doing good—not as a measure of your worth.”

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Existential Therapy [ 8th March 2025 ]

1 April 2025 by

Building on the insightful dialogue from last Conversation on Humanism series on irreligiosity and mental health,We were grateful to have Ms Deborah Koh from North Ship Counselling facilitate a deeply enriching and well-attended session on Existential Therapy.

She opened the conversation with a question many of us may have asked—often half-jokingly: “What is an existential crisis?”

Ms Koh helped unpack the real meaning behind the term, linking it to life-altering events such as the loss of a loved one, a serious illness, or rejection by one’s religious community, especially in relation to sexuality or gender identity.

Unresolved emotions and persistent questions like “Why is life unfair?” or “What happens after we die?” can all contribute to existential distress.


Ms Koh introduced Yalom’s Existential Psychotherapy (1980) and reflected on two local studies examining the link between religion and mental health:

  1. Religiosity, Religious Coping and Distress Among Outpatients with Psychosis in Singapore (2022)
  2. Religious Affiliation in Relation to Positive Mental Health and Mental Disorders in a Multi-Ethnic Asian Population (2021)

These studies sparked a thought-provoking question: “Are humanists doomed?”—prompting us to reflect on whether religion is necessary to make sense of life’s struggles.

Ms Koh shared insights from Viktor E. Frankl’s book, Man’s Search for Meaning (1946), a moving account by a Jewish psychiatrist who survived Auschwitz. Frankl observed that survivors were not necessarily the strongest, but those who had a sense of purpose and meaning—a reason to live even in the face of suffering.

She then explained what existential therapy entails:

  • Creating a safe, empathetic, and non-judgemental space
  • Coming to terms with grief, loss, and uncertainty
  • Reconnecting with oneself and others
  • Embracing ambiguity and existential anxiety as part of life
  • Taking responsibility for personal choices

Philosophy is not a requirement in therapy, she noted—“unless you want to talk about it!”

Values are central to the process. Participants were encouraged to reflect on:

  • Am I living in accordance with my values?
  • What do I want to stop doing?
  • What do I want to do more of?

Ms Koh emphasized that existential therapy can support individuals facing:

  • Divorce, illness, bereavement
  • Career transitions, ageing, retirement
  • Addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma
  • Loss of motivation or identity
  • And crises of faith or community disconnection

The ultimate aim? To live with authenticity—and to learn to “live the questions.”

The session concluded with a reflective activity where participants considered their personal values and how to express them through value-driven actions. A thoughtful Q&A session followed, with Ms Koh patiently addressing participants’ questions.

It was a powerful, informative, and affirming evening—reminding us all that seeking help is never a sign of weakness, but a courageous step toward healing.

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Conversation on Humanism: Irreligiosity and Mental Health

27 January 2025 by

On 25-Jan-2025, we hosted an insightful session as part of our Conversation on Humanism series on Irreligiosity and Mental Health.

This engaging discussion explored the intersection of secular values and mental well-being, addressing key questions like: How does irreligiosity influence mental health, and how can we, as humanists, foster resilience and support?

Key Highlights

Understanding Humanism and Mental Health:

The session began with a broad exploration of humanism, emphasizing its values of compassion, reason, and community. Participants discussed how these principles shape mental well-being in secular contexts.

Insights from Mental Health Statistics and Research:

We delved into local mental health statistics, including findings from the Institute for Health Metrics and Sofia Wellness Clinic, highlighting the growing challenges faced by Singaporeans.

Studies on the relationship between religion and mental health, such as the Straits Times report, were discussed alongside the unique experiences of irreligious individuals.

Debunking Stereotypes:

There is a common misconception that irreligious individuals lack purpose or face higher rates of depression and suicide simply because they don’t adhere to a faith community. However, mental health is influenced by a variety of factors genetics, environment, social support, and personal life experiences rather than religious affiliation alone.

Irreligious people, like those with a religion, can find meaning in family, friendships, personal goals, or ethical and humanitarian values. This highlights that a lack of religious belief does not inherently lead to poor mental health; well-being is shaped by complex, multifaceted influences.

Interactive Activity:

An engaging session on values and coping mechanisms encouraged participants to reflect on their personal approaches to mental health and how their values shape their resilience.

A Humanist Approach

We discussed the “three-prong approach” to mental health which emphasises a holistic framework. It involves three key dimensions:

1. Psychological: Humanism and Mental Well-being

Focuses on fostering emotional resilience and self-awareness through reason, critical thinking, and evidence-based practices like journaling, mindfulness and therapy to build a supportive communities were shared as effective tools for maintaining mental well-being.

2. Existential: Building Meaning and Purpose

Humanists seek answers to life’s big questions—such as existence, morality, and the afterlife—through reason, critical thinking, and shared human experience rather than doctrine. They value personal growth, embracing evolving perspectives shaped by curiosity, compassion, and fairness.Meaning is often found in relationships, creativity, scientific exploration, and contributions to society. Whether through deep personal connections, artistic expression, activism, or altruism, humanists recognize that purpose is self-created and enriched by the positive impact we have on others and the world around us.

3. Social: Supportive Community

Providing a safe and inclusive spaces where irreligious individuals can openly share beliefs, experiences, and support. Rooted in empathy, reason, and respect for autonomy, these communities help combat isolation and foster a sense of belonging.Beyond social connections,  we should promote secular mental health initiatives, including access to non-religious therapists, peer support groups, and evidence-based well-being programs. By encouraging open dialogue and resilience, these efforts ensure that individuals can seek help and thrive without religious judgment.

The session concluded with an open discussion and a call to action, acknowledging that Compassion is at the heart of building strong, supportive secular and humanist communities. By fostering meaningful connections, we create inclusive spaces where individuals feel valued and understood. We encourage everyone to seek support when needed and extend kindness to those around them, reinforcing the humanist commitment to mutual care, empathy, and shared well-being.

A quote by Robert G. Ingersoll beautifully captured the essence of the evening: “Happiness is the only good. The time to be happy is now. The place to be happy is here.”

We’re grateful to everyone who joined us for this meaningful conversation. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming events, including the next session in the Conversation on Humanism Series!

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