This book is a breakthrough in illuminating humanism. For the first time it is presented from an intercultural perspective. It introduces Chinese, Indian, African, Islamic, and Western traditions into the intercultural discussion about basic issues of understanding the human world. This means it recognizes different disciplinary perspectives: history, philosophy as well as religious, literary and gender studies. Special emphasis is put on the controversial relationship between humanism and religion. This complex network of argumentations is an answer to the challenge of cultural orientation in the age of globalization. Humanism is then brought to life as a synthesis of trans-cultural values and a mutual and critical recognition of cultural differences.