“The humanist differs with this pessimistic appraisal and psychological retreat by providing a positive alternative. We can cope with the problems of living. But we need to deal realistically with the world as we find it, and not seek to flee to a mythological deity for help. Only by extending our best efforts can we hope to overcome adversity, conflict, tragedy. We need to be willing to do what is necessary to understand the processes of nature and seek to redirect them for our own purposes. If we are to succeed, we need to have some confidence that we can make a difference, that our activities will be effective, and that at least we will try.” Paul Kurtz