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
6
One Life - Session 6 of 6: Belonging to Society
·OnlineOnlineReading Humanists and Windsor Humanists will be running a One Life course in early 2026. The One Life course offers an introduction to humanism including humanist perspectives on science, ethics, religion, ‘everyday humanism’ and society. We will be thinking about the big questions; What should I believe? What should I do? What is the role of humanism in society?
It’s an opportunity to learn more humanism and discuss your beliefs. We welcome all humanists and anyone curious about humanism.
We have a suggested donation of £10 to join the series of 6 sessions or £3 per session. Payment details to follow.
More information to follow soon. Or subscribe to Reading Humanist newsletter to stay informed https://reading.humanist.org.uk/contact-us/
Thurs 15th Jan 7pm-9pm Session 1 – Introduction
Thurs 22nd Jan 7pm-9pm Session 2 – Science
Thurs 29th Jan 7pm-9pm Session 3 – Ethics
Thurs 5th Feb 7pm-9pm Session 4 – Humanism and Religion
Thurs 12th Feb 7pm-9pm Session 5 – Spirituality and Everyday Humanism
Thurs 19th Feb 7pm-9pm Session 6 – Belonging to Society8 attendees
One Life - Session 6 of 6: Belonging to Society
·OnlineOnlineReading Humanists and Windsor Humanists will be running a One Life course in early 2026. The One Life course offers an introduction to humanism including humanist perspectives on science, ethics, religion, ‘everyday humanism’ and society. We will be thinking about the big questions; What should I believe? What should I do? What is the role of humanism in society?
It’s an opportunity to learn more humanism and discuss your beliefs. We welcome all humanists and anyone curious about humanism.
We have a suggested donation of £15 to join the series of 6 sessions or £3 per session. Payment to
- Payee: Reading Humanists
- Sort Code: 23-05-80
- Account No.: 42619124
Subscribe to Reading Humanist newsletter to stay informed https://reading.humanist.org.uk/contact-us/
Thurs 15th Jan 7pm-9pm Session 1 – Introduction
Thurs 22nd Jan 7pm-9pm Session 2 – Science
Thurs 29th Jan 7pm-9pm Session 3 – Ethics
Thurs 5th Feb 7pm-9pm Session 4 – Humanism and Religion
Thurs 12th Feb 7pm-9pm Session 5 – Spirituality and Everyday Humanism
Thurs 19th Feb 7pm-9pm Session 6 – Belonging to Society2 attendees
Book Club: On Tyranny and How Democracies Die
The Turks Head, 31 London Road, Reading, GBFor our Book Club meeting in March, we plan to read about the fragility of democracy and what we can do about it. Recent events show that democracy is under threat across the world. If this concerns, join us for a discussion of two books that analyse this and provide steps we can take to defend democracy.
Suggested reading:
On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century, a book from 2017 by Timothy Snyder
How Democracies Die: What History Reveals About Our Future by Harvard professors Steven Levitsky and Daniel ZiblattOn Tyranny is a compact book of just 127 pages and focuses on the concept of tyranny in the context of modern United States politics, analysing what Snyder calls "America's turn towards authoritarianism." Explaining that "history does not repeat, but it does instruct," he analyses 20th century Europe to identify conditions that can enable established democracies to transform into dictatorships. This book is presented as a series of instructions on combating the rise of tyranny. You can read more about this book at Goodreads: On Tyranny.
Read the book or watch a video from the author: Timothy Snyder, "On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons From The 20th Century" - YouTube
In How Democracies Die, Harvard professors Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt draw insightful lessons from across history - from the rule of General Augusto Pinochet in Chile to the quiet undermining of Turkey's constitutional system by President Recip Erdogan - to shine a light on regime breakdown across the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Notably they point to the dangers of an authoritarian leader faced with a major crisis. Based on years of research, they present a deep understanding of how and why democracies die; an alarming analysis of how democracy is being subverted today in the US and beyond; and a guide for maintaining and repairing a threatened democracy, for governments, political parties and individuals. You can read more about this book at Goodreads: How Democracies Die.
Read the book or watch a video from the author: “How Democracies Die: What History Reveals About Our Future” - YouTube
If you do not have time to read the books, the authors of both books have many videos on YouTube in which they discuss the subject. Whatever you decide to read or watch, join us for a stimulating discussion with like-minded individuals in a relaxed atmosphere.
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.
10 attendees
Past events
170
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Members
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