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National Freethought Day

Celebrate National Freethought Day and make your voice heard - stand up for freedom of thought, expression, and religion!
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When it is?
October 12
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Country
United States
Creator
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Founded

Introduction

Celebrate the power of independent thought and free expression on National Freethought Day on Oct. 12! This day is dedicated to recognizing the importance of free thought, which is defined as thinking that is not constrained by authority, tradition, or established belief systems. It was first introduced in 2003 as a way to celebrate the principles of reason, freedom of inquiry, and intellectual independence. So take some time to embrace your right to think for yourself and explore new ideas!

History of National Freethought Day

National Freethought Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1600s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Early Freethought Movements</div><div class='timeline-text'>Freethought principles, prioritizing reason and intellectual independence, started to gain momentum during the Age of Enlightenment.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1851</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>The Freethinker Publication</div><div class='timeline-text'>"The Freethinker", the world's oldest freethought publication, was launched in England to promote free thought and secularism.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1896</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>American Secular Union</div><div class='timeline-text'>The American Secular Union, an organization aligned with freethought principles, was established to advocate for the separation of church and state.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1941</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Freedom From Religion Foundation</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Freedom From Religion Foundation was formed in the U.S. to promote the constitutional principle of separation of state and church.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2003</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Freethought Day Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>First formal declaration and celebration of National Freethought Day, highlighting the ideals of intellectual independence and free inquiry.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate National Freethought Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Discuss philosophy</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather friends and family to discuss different philosophical topics. Ask questions and share your own thoughts and opinions on the matter.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Read philosophical literature</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Pick up a book by your favorite philosopher and spend the day reading and reflecting on their ideas.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch an educational documentary</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find an interesting documentary on a philosophical or scientific topic and spend the day learning something new.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Write a blog post</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Write a blog post about a philosophical topic or idea that you are passionate about.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend an event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check out local events related to freethought and attend one that piques your interest.</p></div></div>

Why National Freethought Day is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates the freedom of thought</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The day commemorates the importance of free thought and encourages people to think for themselves instead of conforming to authority. The day is a celebration of our right to think for ourselves and express our ideas without fear or judgement.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes personal development</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Free thinking helps us become better, more informed citizens by challenging preconceived notions and fallacies. It provides us with the opportunity to confront difficult topics rather than running away from them, which in turn may lead to greater understanding and acceptance of others.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It honors both historical and contemporary thinkers</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Celebrating Freethought Day gives us an opportunity to recognize both historic and contemporary figures who have challenged the status quo and pushed boundaries. Their actions continue to inspire generations of free thinkers and remind us that progress can never be taken for granted!</p></div></div>

5 Unfettered Facts about National Freethought Day

National Freethought Day FAQs

When is National Freethought Day?

National Freethought Day is celebrated on October 12 every year. In 2024 National Freethought Day will occur on a Saturday.

National Freethought Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Oct 12

Thursday

2024

Oct 12

Saturday

2025

Oct 12

Sunday

2026

Oct 12

Monday

2027

Oct 12

Tuesday

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