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
2
Lunchtime Discussion Group - Human Cloning
Old Bell Goring Lane, Grazeley Green, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 1LS, Goring Lane, Grazeley Green, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 1LS, Burghfield Common, GBDine and Discuss in a friendly environment!
Join our popular Lunchtime Discussion Group for an afternoon of friendly conversation whilst dining at a local restaurant.
In August we'll be discussing Would You Like to Have a Clone (of Yourself?)
There are briefing materials available before the discussion at: Reading Humanists | Would You Like to Have a Clone (of Yourself)?
Having a clone made of yourself is no longer a theoretical question. Technology has developed beyond recognition in the last two decades.
Cloning and cloned bloodlines have been used for breeding valuable horses ( eg dressage or showjumping) for more than 15 years. Cloning is also used for the genetic preservation of rare or endangered species. And on 22nd July 2026 US venture capitalist and author Bryan Johnson, announced
“I just cloned myself . . . as a newborn.”We'll be discussing the ethical issues raised by the different uses cloning is being put to. And we'll be asking whether opposition from ethicists, scientists, and international bodies to human reproductive cloning has been little more than lip service.
On the day, the group will question, discuss and assess the implications. If you want to come along to listen and comment, that’s fine too. The aim is to engage a group of like-minded people who enjoy understanding and challenging each other’s ideas.
2 attendees
Book Club: The Age of Diagnosis
Biscuit Factory, Unit 1a Oxford Rd, Broad St, Mall, Reading RG1 7QE,, Reading, GBJoin us at our next Book Club meeting in September for a stimulating discussion with like-minded individuals of The Age of Diagnosis by Suzanne O’Sullivan.
Suzanne O'Sullivan is a neurologist and award-winning author. Through the moving stories of real people, she explores the complex world of modern diagnosis, comparing the impact of a medical label to the pain of not knowing. With scientific authority and compassionate storytelling, she opens up new possibilities for how we might approach our health and our suffering.
Adam Rutherford finishes his Guardian review of the book with the words: “In a world where medical misinformation and disinformation flourish, and people die as a result, it takes courage to counter them without pandering to stereotypes. But that is what The Age of Diagnosis does so well. Ignore the subtitle – Sickness, Health and Why Medicine Has Gone Too Far – publishers’ sensationalism that belies an otherwise compassionate and measured book. Its overall message is clear: diagnosis is a tool to be wielded with the utmost caution, and tolerance for difference and for imperfection can go a long way in keeping us healthy.”
If you don’t have time to read the book you could listen to excerpts on BBC Sounds: The Age of Diagnosis by Suzanne O'Sullivan, or you could join us anyway to listen to and discuss with those who have read the book.
You can read more about this book at Goodreads: The Age of Diagnosis: by Suzanne O'Sullivan
We have a group on Goodreads from which you can see all the books we're discussing and make comments and recommendations to other members of the group. Goodreads: Reading Humanists group.
1 attendee
Past events
187
Group links
Organizers
Members
882
