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 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?
Featured event
Book Club: Deviate by Beau Lotto
For our first book club meeting of 2026, we have chosen Deviate by world-renowned neuroscientist Beau Lotto.
When you open your eyes, do you see the world as it really is? Humans have been asking themselves this for thousands of years. Great minds of the past had theories about this, but neuroscience now has an answer. The answer is that we don’t see reality. The world exists, but we do not experience the world as it is because our brain didn’t evolve to do so. Drawing on two decades of work, the book takes us on a tour of how we perceive the world, and how disrupting it leads us to create and innovate.
Visually stunning, with entertaining illustrations and optical illusions throughout, and with clear and comprehensive explanations of the science behind how our perceptions operate, Deviate will revolutionise the way you see yourself, others and the world.
You can find out more about the book at Deviate: The Science of Seeing Differently by Beau Lotto | Goodreads
If you don’t have to time to read the book, or prefer to watch Beau Lotto talking about the ideas in the book, you can watch Deviate | Beau Lotto | Talks at Google
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.
Upcoming events
10
Book Club: Deviate by Beau Lotto
The Turks Head, 31 London Road, Reading, GBFor our first book club meeting of 2026, we have chosen Deviate by world-renowned neuroscientist Beau Lotto.
When you open your eyes, do you see the world as it really is? Humans have been asking themselves this for thousands of years. Great minds of the past had theories about this, but neuroscience now has an answer. The answer is that we don’t see reality. The world exists, but we do not experience the world as it is because our brain didn’t evolve to do so. Drawing on two decades of work, the book takes us on a tour of how we perceive the world, and how disrupting it leads us to create and innovate.
Visually stunning, with entertaining illustrations and optical illusions throughout, and with clear and comprehensive explanations of the science behind how our perceptions operate, Deviate will revolutionise the way you see yourself, others and the world.
You can find out more about the book at Deviate: The Science of Seeing Differently by Beau Lotto | Goodreads
If you don’t have to time to read the book, or prefer to watch Beau Lotto talking about the ideas in the book, you can watch Deviate | Beau Lotto | Talks at Google
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.6 attendees
•OnlineOne Life - Session 1 of 6: Introduction to Humanism
OnlineReading 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 Society12 attendees
Morality and Evolution and Annual General Meeting
Quakers Friends Meeting House, 2 Church Street,, Reading RG1 2SB, GBJanuary's meeting will be our Annual General Meeting followed by an open discussion on Evolution and Morality.
Open Discussion on Evolution and Morality
Human beings have a strong moral sense, a belief in what behaviour is right and what is wrong. We may not always agree on exactly what is right, but that there is right and wrong is a universal human sensibility. Throughout human history there has been continual debate about the nature of this moral sense: where it comes from and how it works. An important part of that discussion has been about whether our moral faculties are developed through reason and then applied to our actions, or whether they are based on innate abilities and that we rationalise about them only after the event.
6th Annual General Meeting
Agenda will include reports about the group's activities over the last year, how we've spent your money, and election of committee members. Please come and tell us what we're doing well and how we can improve.
If you can't make it and would like to give feedback, please get in touch on our WhatsApp group or by emailing Reading Humanists
In 2025 our programme has included:
- Evening talk in-person at Quaker Meeting House on the third Tuesday of a month
- Lunchtime discussion group in-person on the fourth Wednesday of a month
- Book club meeting every couple of months with a focus on non-fiction
- Occasional zoom discussion groups
- A Terry's walkabout in Reading town centre
We are planning to deliver another One Life course in early 2026, jointly with Windsor Humanists.
All are welcome but only members are eligible to vote.
To find more about membership: https://reading.humanist.org.uk/reading-humanists/membership/
Everyone is welcome at our events. To find out more about us:
- Subscribe to our newsletter
- Check out our website
- Follow us on Facebook
- Join our Facebook Group
- Join our community on WhatsApp
3 attendees
•OnlineOne Life - Session 2 of 6: Science and Humanism
OnlineReading 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 Society6 attendees
Past events
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