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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Nietzsche: The Philosopher for our Time?
Reading Quaker (Friends) Meeting House (Mid-Thames Area Quaker Meeting), 2 Church St, Reading RG1 2SB, UK, Reading, GBFriedrich Nietzsche remains one of the most provocative and influential philosophers of the modern age. His challenges to religion, morality and conventional ideas about human nature continue to resonate in a world grappling with questions of meaning, freedom and identity. This talk explores Nietzsche’s ideas and asks: what can this controversial thinker tell us about how we should live today?
Our resident philosopher, Mike will be leading the session.
Image: ChatGPT
Our monthly talks 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
7 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.
5 attendees
Past events
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