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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!
<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>
<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>
<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>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Freethought Day Commemorates a Historic Event</h3><p class='facts-content'>National Freethought Day is celebrated on October 12 as it coincides with the effective end of the infamous Salem Witch Trials in 1692, a significant turn of events that exemplifies the dangers of irrational belief and lack of freethought.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Freethought has been Advocated by Influential Figures</h3><p class='facts-content'>Many celebrated figures like Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Albert Einstein have known to be advocates of freethinking, valuing reason, and logic over established doctrines.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Freethinking Does Not Equal Being Anti-Religion</h3><p class='facts-content'>Despite a common misconception, freethinking is not equivalent to being anti-religion. It simply advocates for the principle that beliefs should be formed on the basis of science and logical principles and not influenced by authority, tradition, or any other dogma.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Freethought Influenced Major Social Movements</h3><p class='facts-content'>The principles of freethought have been a significant influence in many major social and political reform movements, including abolition, suffrage, and civil rights, emphasizing its role in societal progress.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Freethought is Encouraged in Education</h3><p class='facts-content'>In modern education philosophy, freethought is encouraged in innovative learning environments. Emphasizing independent thought, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills are all elements aligned with freethought principles.</p></div></div>
National Freethought Day is celebrated on October 12 every year. In 2024 National Freethought Day will occur on a Saturday.
2023
Oct 12
Thursday
2024
Oct 12
Saturday
2025
Oct 12
Sunday
2026
Oct 12
Monday
2027
Oct 12
Tuesday
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