The Clown’s Compass: Finding Humanism in the Heart of Humanity

“You may have to get a little dirty to love people. It’s not clean. That’s the part that people want to avoid.” – Dr. Patch Adams

In 2010, I embarked on a journey that would indelibly stamp my understanding of what it means to be human, to care deeply, and to find profound meaning in a world often overshadowed by suffering. It was a “Clowning and Caring” humanitarian trip led by Dr. Patch Adams – one of my greatest role models, and a man whose radical approach to compassion defied convention. What I didn’t fully realize then was that this adventure was also my truest introduction to Humanism in action, illuminating its principles of reason, ethics, and compassion far beyond any textbook definition.

Before this trip to Costa Rica, my understanding of Humanism was largely intellectual. I was drawn to its emphasis on evidence, its secular approach to ethics, and its commitment to social responsibility. It offered a compelling framework for a meaningful life without reliance on supernatural beliefs. Yet, like many philosophies, it remained somewhat abstract – a beautiful blueprint. The trip with Patch Adams changed that, transforming the blueprint into a living, breathing, sometimes messy, masterpiece of human connection.

The Philosophy of the Red Nose

Patch Adams believed, and demonstrated, that joy is contagious and a powerful catalyst for healing. His philosophy was about radical presence, boundless love, and a willingness to “get dirty” with the raw emotions of others. At the beginning of each day, we donned our clown noses – these little red squishy circles that offered a profound invitation to authentic connection. This, I realized, was Humanism’s ethical core unfurled: an unwavering commitment to the dignity and well-being of every individual, active empathy, and the belief that human problems can be addressed by human effort.

During our orientation, Patch spoke about the power of a genuine smile, a silly dance, prancing outside with a rubber chicken in hand, moments of shared vulnerability, and the incredible importance of hugs and humour. He taught us to look beyond diagnosis and circumstance, to see the inherent person – the human dignity – that too often gets obscured by illness, poverty, or societal neglect. It was an education in applied ethics: how do we act, moment by moment, to genuinely alleviate suffering and foster authentic connection? The answer was often found in simple, heartfelt acts of being fully present with another person.

Embracing Vulnerability: From Hospitals to Mental Health Facilities

Our days were a whirlwind of visiting diverse institutions, from bustling hospitals to mental health facilities and schools in highly marginalized communities. Each environment presented its own unique set of vulnerabilities, and each interaction offered a profound lesson.

In hospitals, we encountered children grappling with serious illnesses, their laughter often muted by pain or fear. Our task was to lead from the heart; to be a conduit for the spontaneous emotions that arise during clowning and caring. Watching a child’s face light up with a smile served as a powerful testament to the human spirit’s resilience. It highlighted how compassion, expressed through play and presence, could momentarily eclipse even severe physical discomfort. This was about human beings actively choosing to bring light into darkness, a direct application of Humanism’s ethical imperative to alleviate suffering through empathetic action.

The visits to mental health facilities were particularly poignant for my developing understanding of Humanism and trauma. Here, the pain was often invisible, shrouded by stigma and internal struggles. Connecting with teens in these facilities, who might initially appear withdrawn or guarded, required immense self-awareness, adaptability, and a willingness to meet them exactly where they were. A silly dance, a shared quiet moment, or a listening ear could sometimes spark a flicker of connection. It reinforced the Humanist belief that every person deserves empathy and respect, and that true healing often begins when one feels seen and valued as a whole human being. It was a tangible exploration of social justice – advocating for the dignity and emotional well-being of those often marginalized by society.

Lessons in Humanity: Beyond the Performance

Beyond the hospital walls, our interactions extended to schools and the streets – particularly in areas facing significant social and economic challenges. Here, clowning became a bridge, connecting us to communities across language and cultural barriers. Laughter, play, and love proved to be a universal language, fostering shared humanity and breaking down preconceived barriers.

It was in these moments that I learned more about humanity than any textbook could teach. I saw the incredible capacity for joy even in hardship, the universal need for connection, and the inherent worth of every individual. I witnessed profound acts of kindness exchanged between human beings, and the way simple, non-transactional care could ripple outwards, creating small pockets of light.

This trip was largely about being present for humanity in all its forms. It watered the garden of my understanding of Humanism as a deeply compassionate and practical way of engaging with the world.

Continuing the Journey of Compassion

This experience with Patch and the numerous other Clowning and Carding volunteers was a foundational experience, shaping my path towards roles like a Humanist Chaplain. It ignited a fierce desire to continue working with depth, to help people heal, and to be a guide that helps human beings connect more fully with themselves, the world, and others.

The essence of Humanism is a living commitment to actively engage with life; to help alleviate suffering and celebrate human potential. It’s about consistently showing up, and believing in the inherent capacity for good within each of us.

I will end with this: What does it mean for you to “get a little dirty” to love and connect with others in your own life, especially those who might be overlooked or in pain? How can you embody compassion, ethical action, and human connection in your daily interactions?

Author: 
Captain Jennie MacCosham
she/her/elle
Public Affairs Officer
Department of National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces