Madam, - Seán Mullan (May 13th) asks a direct question May 13 as to where an Irish person should go to get answers to the profound questions of life. Let me suggest a direct answer.
For centuries humanists have found answers in the experience of life as a long journey well-spent and enjoyed. Such individuals face existential dilemmas squarely: they happily see themselves as part of the continuum of history - the history of life on the planet, the history of humankind, and finally the unfolding of their own individual lives lived in a spirit of human solidarity, companionship and the seeking, by means of human reason, of authentic human values. Crucially, journey's end - death - brings no terror of punishment, or anticipation of deferred reward.
The Association of Irish Humanists is currently celebrating its 10th anniversary year and may be found at www.irish-humanists.org. - Yours, etc.,
CORMAC O'CONNELL, Laurleen, Stillorgan, Co Dublin.