George Jacob Holyoake

George Jacob Holyoake (1817–1906) was a British social reformer and writer known for promoting secularism and ethical socialism. He advocated for a society based on reason, cooperation, and humanist values, without reliance on religion or divine authority. Holyoake coined the term “secularism” and worked to advance education, workers’ rights, and moral development through rational and ethical principles. He believed that morality could be grounded in human experience and social progress rather than religious doctrine, making him an important figure in the development of secular humanism and progressive social movements.