Group reading and discussion of Chapter 11 - "Imperial Visions"

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ALL ARE WELCOME. BRING A FRIEND IF YOU'D LIKE. COME OPEN-MINDED!

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Here's a scanned copy of the chapter we'll be reading: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B2k2oymuz7yqYk1WT3pBZ01GM3c/edit (it'll be taken offline after we meet)

Discussion begins at 7pm, with some drinks and snacks. We'll be there to set up from around 6pm in case you want to read the chapter right before. If you read the chapter at home, take notes of your thoughts and questions. DO NOT POST THEM ON THIS GROUP. Bring the list with you. While you're reading, try to think about:

• What are the facts and arguments made by the author?

• What was your reaction to those arguments?

• What are the broader questions that arise from these reactions?

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Do you ask questions about the world around you? Would you like to understand how it got to where it is? Each question has a context. That context, in turn, has a broader context, and so on. Thus the investigation should start with a clear understanding of the backbone of history. That is what the book "From Animals into Gods: A Brief History of Humankind" aims to present. The book is not an objective view of history - no such thing exists. But it provides a framework from which questions can be asked and effective discussions arise. If the bible claims to have all the answers, this book is a seed for all of the conversations. Please join us and share your perspective. We only ask that you come open-minded and willing to challenge your views.

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☀ WHAT SOME PEOPLE HAVE SAID ABOUT THESE MEETINGS ☀

Stan: "Great meetup, wonderful group of participants, outstanding book choice, stimulating sharing of ideas and personal experiences. Thanks, Avi, Mark, and everyone for creating this. I found 'True, Good and Beauty' at the meeting!"

John: "I just LOVE it when people can have a lively discussion and everyone tolerates differences: tres cool!"

Forrest: "Interesting, fun, friendly, provoking. Would prefer to stay on topic more though."

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☀ ABOUT THE BOOK ☀

Written by Yuval Noah Harari, a young Oxford-educated Israeli historian, originally in Hebrew. This book was the #1 best-selling book in Israel for 50 weeks straight, topping fiction and non-fiction books alike. During that time the author translated it to English, which is the copy we use (it's currently unavailable pending the official translation that will be published by Harper-Collins in 2014.) The author has also started a class on Coursera (http://coursera.org/course/humankind) that mirrors this book. Here are some book reviews on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/From-Animals-into-Gods-Humankind/product-reviews/1478237856/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?showViewpoints=1) or Goodreads (http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15795928-from-animals-into-gods?from_search=true).

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☀ THE AUTHOR'S INTRODUCTION TO HIS CLASS ON COURSERA ☀

This event is not affiliated with the author or Coursera in any way. We're just fans.

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