A manifesto is not a set of rigid rules, nor a fixed ideology. It is a declaration of intent—a way to illuminate a perspective, to pose essential questions, and to invite dialogue. At its core, a manifesto is an act of meaning-making, a tool to navigate complexity and reclaim the ability to interpret reality on our own terms.
In a time when narratives are often imposed rather than discovered, the more humano Manifesto emerges as a space for reflection and creation. What follows is not a definitive truth but an open invitation: to think, to explore, and to actively shape the meaning of our own existence.
📥 Download the full more humano Manifesto here
The need for meaning in an age of acceleration
In a world increasingly driven by efficiency, hyper-functionality, and technological acceleration, the pursuit of meaning often takes a backseat to productivity. Yet, beneath the surface of economic structures, digital innovation, and social pressures, the fundamental human need to construct, reinterpret, and share meaning remains unchanged.
The more humano manifesto emerges as a response to this overlooked dimension of existence. It does not offer dogmas, nor does it claim to possess ultimate answers. Instead, it proposes a framework where meaning is not a fixed entity but a continuous process—an evolving engagement with life, shaped by personal experiences, cultural narratives, and collective dialogues.
Beyond dogma: a dynamic approach to meaning
For centuries, societies have oscillated between rigid doctrines and the fear of meaninglessness. Religious traditions, ideological structures, and scientific paradigms have all provided answers to existential questions, often demanding unwavering adherence. However, history has shown that absolute certainties are fragile; they shift with time, collapse under scrutiny, and evolve with human understanding.
More humano does not reject the search for truth but redefines it as a creative act rather than a fixed discovery. Meaning is not something passively received but actively forged—an interpretative process that requires continuous engagement rather than blind acceptance. This perspective resonates with thinkers such as Michel Foucault, who examined how regimes of truth shape human perception, and Viktor Frankl, who emphasized the human ability to find purpose even in suffering.
The role of storytelling in constructing meaning
One of the central tenets of more humano is the power of narrative. Storytelling has been an essential part of human culture, providing a bridge between past traditions and future possibilities. Myths, literature, and personal accounts serve as tools for making sense of experience, allowing individuals to frame their existence within a broader context.
As Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie highlights in The Danger of a Single Story, limiting our perspectives to one dominant narrative leads to misunderstanding and oversimplification. The more humano approach encourages the coexistence of multiple stories, recognizing that the richness of human experience cannot be contained within a singular, monolithic framework. Instead, it thrives on the tension between different interpretations, fostering an inclusive dialogue where diverse perspectives are valued rather than suppressed.
Spirituality beyond religion: the sacred as an open space
One of the most challenging aspects of modern meaning-making is navigating the tension between spirituality and secularism. Traditional religious structures provide well-defined frameworks of meaning, yet many find themselves alienated by dogma, preferring a more fluid and experiential connection with the sacred.
Alan Watts, a key reference for more humano, advocated for a view of spirituality that transcends rigid institutional boundaries. He saw the sacred not as a set of prescribed beliefs but as an experiential realm—one that could be accessed through art, contemplation, nature, and symbolic imagination. More humano echoes this vision, proposing that spirituality need not be confined to formal doctrines; rather, it can be an open-ended practice of wonder, creativity, and existential reflection.
Navigating change: the impermanence of meaning
Another fundamental insight of more humano is the recognition that meaning is not static. What provides a sense of purpose today may shift tomorrow. People evolve, circumstances change, and life continuously demands reinterpretation. This dynamic understanding of meaning challenges the conventional desire for permanence, instead inviting individuals to engage with the fluidity of their existential journey.
This concept aligns with the philosophy of Zhuangzi, the ancient Taoist thinker who emphasized the ever-changing nature of reality. By embracing impermanence, we avoid the psychological rigidity that leads to existential crises when old meanings no longer serve us. Instead, we cultivate adaptability, allowing new interpretations to emerge organically over time.
The balance between individuality and community
While more humano emphasizes personal interpretation, it also acknowledges the essential role of community. The search for meaning is not a solitary endeavor; it is enriched by interaction, dialogue, and shared narratives. Philosopher Jürgen Habermas highlights the necessity of a public sphere where ideas can be exchanged, refined, and contested. In a similar vein, more humano argues that collective meaning-making strengthens personal insights, providing a space where differences coexist without being forced into conformity.
Teilhard de Chardin’s concept of the Point Omega—a future state of higher collective consciousness—offers an inspiring vision of convergence without uniformity. As cultures, philosophies, and traditions intersect, they generate richer, more nuanced understandings of existence. The goal is not to erase differences but to weave them into a broader, interconnected mosaic of human experience.
The practice of meaning: a lifelong exercise
If meaning is not a final destination but a journey, then it must be cultivated like any other skill. This requires conscious effort, just as physical health demands exercise and intellectual growth requires study. More humano proposes a set of practices to keep the process of meaning-making alive:
- Intentional Reflection – Setting aside time to question, reassess, and refine personal values.
- Engagement with Stories – Reading, listening, and exchanging narratives to expand one’s perspective.
- Symbolic Thinking – Exploring the power of metaphor, myth, and ritual to deepen existential insights.
- Dialogue and Exchange – Actively participating in conversations that challenge and enrich understanding.
- Acceptance of Change – Recognizing that meaning is fluid and allowing oneself to evolve without fear.
These practices do not impose a rigid method but rather offer an adaptable approach, empowering individuals to shape their own existential framework in a way that feels authentic and fulfilling.
A call to embrace the craft of meaning
The more humano manifesto is not a doctrine but an invitation—a call to actively engage with life’s fundamental questions rather than passively accept pre-packaged ideologies. It challenges both dogmatic rigidity and nihilistic despair, advocating instead for a creative, participatory, and evolving approach to meaning-making.
As we navigate an era of rapid change and existential uncertainty, reclaiming our role as artisans of meaning is more crucial than ever. By embracing narrative, engaging in open dialogue, and honoring the impermanence of interpretation, we reaffirm what it means to be truly human.
In the end, the manifesto leaves us with a simple but profound reminder: meaning is not something we discover—it is something we create. And in that act of creation, we find the essence of what it means to live fully, thoughtfully, and deeply more humano.
Download the More Humano Manifesto
The More Humano Manifesto is an invitation to rethink meaning, embrace plurality, and cultivate a deeper, more dynamic approach to existence. It is a guide for those who refuse to settle for pre-packaged truths and instead seek to shape their own understanding of reality through philosophy, storytelling, and the recognition of impermanence.
If you’re drawn to exploring existential questions, breaking free from rigid dogmas, and engaging in a meaningful dialogue about the human experience, this manifesto is for you.