What we’re about
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 Group
- 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 (4+)
See all- Lunchtime Discussion Group - Is Meritocracy Fair?Old Bell Goring Lane, Grazeley Green, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 1LS, Burghfield Common
Dine and Discuss in a friendly environment!
Join us for our popular Lunchtime Discussion Group for an afternoon of friendly conversation whilst dining at a local restaurant.
This month we'll be discussing Is Meritocracy Fair?
The question Is meritocracy fair? is raised by Professor Richard Plomin in his book Blueprint: How DNA Makes Us Who We Are. Professor Plomin is one of the world’s leading genetic behaviouralists and his book summarises the lessons of half a century of research into “nature v nurture” His conclusion is that it is both, with nature playing around 50% and nurture the remainder.
However, a startling discovery is that the effects of nurture seem to be stochastic, there is no systematic cause, they seem due to chance. What this means is that the traits which distinguish and affect our life chances (such as intelligence) are largely a matter of luck. It is like a dice roll, some get double six and live long, happy and wealthy lives. Others double one and their lives are short and can be miserable.
Professor Plomin points out that this means that a meritocratic society rewards those who are lucky and punishes those who are not. He asks the question as to whether this is truly fair and whether society should, instead, seek to give more equal value to all, regardless of what their DNA and luck in life enables them to be. This is a profound question and one very appropriate for our times given the rapid changes we are experiencing in terms of society and demographics.
A briefing paper on the subject is available at Is Meritocracy Fair?
About Discussion Group
Our discussions can cover any socially relevant issue. Participants decide on the topics for discussion based on their interests. From evolution to anthropology, from economics to psychology, from the environment to . . . anything that catches your interest.
If you want to contribute, we’d ask you to prepare something that has fired up your imagination. Contributions might be sharing ideas from a book or article you’ve read, or simply an idea that you’ve researched. Individuals will submit a written summary of their idea before the meal.
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.
- Book Club: African HistoryThe Turks Head, Reading
For our next meeting we have decided to read books on African History. Suggested reading:
- An African History of Africa by Zainab Badawi
- Blood River by Tim Butcher
- Or choose your own book on the subject
- If you are too busy to read a book, read articles, listen to a podcast or watch a documentary on the subject
Whatever you read, join us for a lively and stimulating discussion with like-minded people in a relaxed atmosphere.
For too long, Africa’s history has been dominated by western narratives of slavery and colonialism or simply ignored. Now, Zeinab Badawi sets the record straight in An African History of Africa, From the Dawn of Humanity to Independence.
Badawi guides us through Africa’s spectacular history – from the origins of humanity, through ancient civilisations and medieval empires, to the miseries of conquest and the elation of independence. Visiting more than thirty African countries to interview countless historians, anthropologists, archaeologists and local storytellers, Badawi weaves together a gripping new history of the oldest inhabited continent on the planet, told through the voices of Africans themselves.
You can find reviews Blood River on Goodreads: An African History of Africa
Blood River: A Journey to Africa's Broken Heart is a 2007 book by British journalist and writer Tim Butcher.
A compulsively readable account of a journey to the Congo — a country virtually inaccessible to the outside world — vividly told by a daring and adventurous journalist.
Ever since Stanley first charted its mighty river in the 1870s, the Congo has epitomized the dark and turbulent history of a failed continent. However, its troubles only served to increase the interest of Daily Telegraph correspondent Tim Butcher, who was sent to cover Africa in 2000. Before long he became obsessed with the idea of recreating Stanley’s original expedition — but travelling alone.
Despite warnings Butcher spent years poring over colonial-era maps and wooing rebel leaders before making his will and venturing to the Congo’s eastern border. He passed through once thriving cities of this country and saw the marks left behind by years of abuse and misrule. Almost, 2,500 harrowing miles later, he reached the Atlantic Ocean, a thinner and a wiser man.
Butcher’s journey was a remarkable feat. But the story of the Congo, vividly told in Blood River, is more remarkable still.
You can find reviews Blood River on Goodreads: Blood River by Tim Butcher
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.
For those wishing to participate in our discussion, we have a WhatsApp group which you can join at Reading Humanists Book Club WhatsApp Group.
