About us
This is a group for anyone who is, or thinks they might be, a Humanist, or who simply wants to find out more about Humanism in a relaxed, sociable atmosphere.
We have a lively programme of free events including talks by external speakers, courses, discussions on topical issues, a book group, and other social activities. We are also active in the community promoting humanism in schools and at public events. All our events are open to both members and non-members. Come along and meet us, we’re a friendly and engaging bunch. All are welcome!
Humanists are people who shape their own lives in the here and now because we believe it's the only life we have. We treat others with compassion, warmth, understanding and respect. We understand the amazing world we live in through reason and science. We recognise the moral responsibility to protect the environment and to make the world a better place for the sake of current and future generations.
Reading Humanists welcome all who share these views, and those who are curious about humanism.
You can find out more by:
- browsing the Reading Humanists website
- looking on Meetup: Reading Humanists
- following us on Facebook: Reading Humanists Page
- signing up for our Email Newsletter
Please consider supporting Reading Humanists by Joining Reading Humanists helping us to provide a stronger voice for the non-religious in Reading.
For more about Humanism in the UK check out the Humanists UK website and the Humanists UK YouTube channel.
If you’re curious about how your views compare to humanism, why not try the quiz: How humanist are you?
Upcoming events
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Discussion: What happened to progress?
Reading Quaker (Friends) Meeting House (Mid-Thames Area Quaker Meeting), 2 Church St, Reading RG1 2SB, UK, Reading, GBIn much of the Western world, a curious paradox has emerged: despite living in an age of extraordinary global economic progress, public sentiment is increasingly marked by pessimism. Billions have been lifted out of poverty, life expectancy has risen, and technological breakthroughs – from AI to renewable energy – promise transformative change. But many in affluent societies feel disillusioned.
Public discussion focusses on stagnating real wages, perceptions of rising inequality, climate crisis, foreign wars, the impact of high levels of immigration and a sense that the future no longer offers a better world. Talk of progress is largely dismissed as misplaced optimism. The postwar narrative of continual improvement seems fractured, overwhelmed by anxieties about automation, climate collapse, immigration and political dysfunction. Progress, once a shared horizon, now feels fragmented and highly questionable.
By contrast, in large parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, optimism is more palpable. Rapid improvements in living standards, urbanisation, expanding middle classes, and digital connectivity have fuelled a sense of possibility. For many in these regions, progress is not a fading memory but a lived reality.
What does the evidence tell us? Is the world continuing on the road to progress? Or have we entered a period of stagnation and decline? And why is public discourse so focussed on the negatives whilst ignoring the positives?David Good will be leading the discussion based on a paper from last year's lunchtime discussion group. More resources on the topic are available here
Our monthly talks/discussions are on the 3rd Tuesday at the Quaker Meeting House (with a break in August) and are typically followed by a Q&A or discussion. Tea and coffee are available at the start of the meeting.
Subscribe to Reading Humanist newsletter to stay informed of future events https://reading.humanist.org.uk/contact-us/
Members are free. We have a suggested donation of £3 for evening talks for non-members. Payment can be made to:- Payee: Reading Humanists
- Sort Code: 82-12-08
- Account No.: 50312221
8 attendees
Past events
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