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 - Transcendence and Humanists
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 June we'll be discussing Transcendence and Humanists.
There will be briefing materials available before the discussion at: Reading Humanists | Transcendence and Humanists
Curious to hear how some Humanists seem to translate what may be transcendental needs into their Humanism by transposing elements from religion? Some talk of "humanist hymns", or "reading from the same page", as in a religious document that seems almost sacred.
Religion has done a good job of fulfilling needs in us humans, which is why it has evolved so successfully. In its absence, how do Humanists fulfil these needs? In particular, transcendental needs. Not spiritual as such, although there is an overlap between the two.
This is what we will explore at the next discussion meeting. We have no definite answers, just questions, and exploring what others, as Humanists, think or feel.
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.
5 attendees
Book Club: The Tyranny of Merit
Biscuit Factory, Unit 1a Oxford Rd, Broad St, Mall, Reading RG1 7QE,, Reading, GB“You can make it if you try". Does meritocracy liberate us from class and caste based societal inequalities? Or is it a lie?
Join us at our next Book Club meeting in July for a stimulating discussion with like-minded individuals on The Tyranny of Merit.
In his book The Tyranny of Merit: what's Become of the Common Good? Michael J Sandel argues that we live in an age of winners and losers, where the odds are stacked in favour of the already fortunate. Stalled social mobility and entrenched inequality give the lie to the promise that "you can make it if you try". And the consequence is a brew of anger and frustration that has fuelled populist protest, with the triumph of Brexit and election of Donald Trump.
He argues that to overcome the polarised politics of our time, we must rethink the attitudes toward success and failure that have accompanied globalisation and rising inequality.
Sandel highlights the hubris a meritocracy generates among the winners and the harsh judgement it imposes on those left behind. He offers an alternative way of thinking about success - more attentive to the role of luck in human affairs, more conducive to an ethic of humility, and more hospitable to a politics of the common good.
Sandel is one of the most important and influential philosophers living today. He teaches political philosophy at Harvard University. His books What Money Can't Buy: The Moral Limits of Markets, and Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do? were international best sellers.
If you don’t have time to read the book, you could listen to this recording by the Fairness Foundation where Sandel discusses the book: Fairness Foundation - The Tyranny of Merit
You can read more about this book at Goodreads: The Tyranny of Merit: What's Become of the Common Good? by Michael J Sandel
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.
9 attendees
Past events
184
Group links
Members
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