Freethinkers: Two Heroes and a Pariah
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#### Alternative History discussion, using Susan Jacoby’s “Freethinkers”: Intro, Chaps 1&2: Two heroes and a pariah: Jefferson, Madison, and Paine
This is a new discussion group, with the Chicago Ethical Humanist Circle, looking at less-told (and in some case actively muffled) stories from history
These chapters cover the decades preceding and following the Revolution. Three of the era’s most important “influencers” were Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Thomas Paine, all non-theists.
The book is available from libraries in print, e-book and audio form, but you don’t need to read “Freethinkers” to take part. We’ll start with a review of each month’s chapters’ principal narratives, then use it as the basis for a discussion of parallels in modern American life.
In December, we’ll cover Chapters 3&4, covering abolitionists, the first wave of American feminists, and Abe Lincoln and his influences. By Aril, we’ll have covered the book.
You may be interested enough to pick up the book for the rest of the monthly discussions, or just drop for an era you particularly want to dive into.