Jan 2: The Humanist as a Wise Ethicist
Let's face it, not all virtues are without pitfalls. Empathy can degenerate into sentimentality, indignation can lead to self-righteousness, and reverence can foster superstition. Accordingly, we use adjectives that reduce the chance of "virtue-toxicity." That's why we favor a "realistic" empathy, a "humble" indignation, and a "discerning" reverence. First of a three-part series entitled "The Humanist as Ethicist, Activist, and Detective" by Bill Jacobsen.
Jan 9: The Humanist as an Activist with Foresight
We seek practical ways to move individuals and organizations from where they are now to where they must be if ever the human species is to reach its full potential. We do this by focusing on personal growth as well as broad political alliances. Bill Jacobsen.
Jan 16: Caty: Catherine Littlefield Greene Miller
(1753-1814) First theorized the cotton gin, and was responsible for its invention; an independent thinker; pretty wife of General Nathanael Greene, 2nd in command to George Washington during the American Revolutionary War. Learn why Caty lived with her 2nd husband for almost 10 years before George and Martha Washington insisted they get married (in their living room). Presented by Meg Bowman.
Jan 23: Purpose
A colloquy conducted by Paula Rochelle. The big question: "What purpose do you have in what you do?"
Jan 30: The Humanist as a Curious Detective
Since no necessary connection exists between our life stance and our worldview, we honor no taboos in investigating how the world works, what happened in history, and posing hard questions to those who make outrageous claims. Everything must be transparent. Nothing is exempt from scrutiny. Bill Jacobsen.
Feb 6: How Would You Present Humanism?
In a follow-up to Bill Jacobsen's outline of his personal take on Humanism, how would you put your concerns, your guidelines for living in a form that your believing neighbors could comprehend? How do you put your Humanist stance into words? In case you missed one of BJ's three forums on Ecumenical Humanism or want to see how others respond to his presentation, you can drop into the adult education program at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 505 East Charleston, Palo Alto. He'll offer a summary of the three-part series on Thursday, Feb 24, 7:30 p.m.
Feb 13: Does Evolution Provide a Foundation for Ethics?
Hostility, greed, and fear have had survival value for our species. But so has generosity, caring, joy, and detached calm. Arthur Jackson takes off on Antonio Damasio's theories about neurology to discuss a biological foundation for the ethical enterprise.
Feb 20: Big Mouth: Interview with Miria Matembe -- a Non-Traditional Woman
An attorney and former member of Parliament in Uganda ... No one knows Ugandan women better than Matembe; no one more often says what most women are afraid to say than Matembe. A social revolution in Uganda! Are you a Matembe? Plus: International Women's Creed. Presented by Meg Bowman.
Feb 27: Why Some Societies Don't Collapse
Based on Jared Diamond's Collapse: How Societies Choose or Fail to Succeed, the possible fate of America in the near future is discussed by Bill Jacobsen. The history of societies remote from us in space or time show us the importance of mustering the political will to pursue long-term policies, address underlying problems, and making sure elites aren't isolated from the consequences of their actions.
Mar 6: God is My Broker: Satire Without Malice
The book and audio-book by Christopher Buckley let us see ourselves as the sly, calculating, hypocritical creatures we are ... sometimes. Bill Jacobsen says sugar helps the medicine go down.
Mar 13: "I've Been Framed -- by Myself!"
I become my own worst enemy whenever I allow arrogance or anger to outshine the touch of lightness that mellows my candor. Bill Jacobsen draws on Lakoff, Hecht, and Montaigne.
Mar 20: George Sand: Deviant Extraordinaire
At age 70, this talented and prolific author reviews (with her beloved son) her life, including her affair with Chopin and her "daughter from hell." This most well-known author in Europe (the Danielle Steele of her day) cross-dressed and was bisexual; her life exceeded the imagination of her pen. (1804-1876) Presented by Meg Bowman.
Mar 27: Dissent
For this colloquy, conducted by Paula Rochelle, bring something symbolic of dissent for the center table. The question will be: "How can we express dissent and still stay connected, with our loved ones, our neighbors, our community, our country, our world?"
Apr 3: The Dark Side of Secularism
James Carroll of the Boston Globe advises us to beware: we may get what we wish for. In his nuanced article he recognizes the need to keep church and state separate, given the abuses of the past; yet the consequences are politics and businesses bereft of morals, and religions satisfied with tokenism in the public square. It may hurt our heads to think new thoughts, but then: no pain, no gain. Bill Jacobsen and Gerry Gras dialogue on the issues.
Apr 10: Voltaire's Last Years: From Detached Cynicism to Involved Commitment
It's one thing to mock hypocrisy and credulity from an aloof position of superiority; it's quite another thing to risk your personal safety because you are outraged at some of the injustices of society. BJ emulates Voltaire with somewhat less risk.
Apr 17: Four Famous Unitarian Universalist Women
Meet Susan B Anthony (1820-1906), Clara Barton (1821-1912), Dorothea Dix (1802-1887), and Margaret Fuller (1810-1850). Learn how the Sisters of Loretto define feminism and why Susan B always wore something red. Presented by Meg Bowman.
Apr 24: From Rain Forest to Rockets
French Guyana has had a unique history, from a leper colony to the infamous penal colony Devil's Island to one of the world's most modern rocket launch facilities. Various cultures meet when former inhabitants of the penal colony, descendants of slaves, indigenous peoples and rocket scientists co-mingle. The government has implemented many unique features to preserve the environment, maintain a peaceful site for the launch base, and provide an ideal location for Laotian refugees. Bob Dodd shall provide his impressions and pictures from this unique land.
May 1: Women's Voice from the East: Tasleema Nasreen
Masuma holds forth on the universality found in the writings of an atheist who received death threats because of her outspoken challenges to the Quran. Tasleema is one of many women of the East who oppose the prevailing patriarchal structure of their societies.
May 8: The Status Anxiety
Our worth or value is no longer determined by God, but now rests upon our elitism or failure in our rational society. Losers and the yet struggling, both, should find salve and escape from the needless suffering of status anxiety through this talk by Robert Ruether, based on the book Status Anxiety by Alain de Botton. We discuss the status affliction and humanist solutions for modern society.
May 15: How Does Hans Christian Anderson Do It?
As Denmark and the world celebrate the 200th anniversary of this story teller's birth, we ask how he managed to work his magic. So charming and innocent, yet so irreverent and skeptical, his fairy tales speak directly to children, as well as to adults mature enough to grasp some of his hidden messages. Bill Jacobsen speaks.
May 22: Remembering
In eight days comes Memorial Day, when the country honors its dead warriors, reminding us of, and connecting us to, people and events of our recent past. How do we use memories to stay connected with others in our lives? A colloquy led by Paula Rochelle.
May 29: Three Admirable Women: A Visit Across Time
Florence Nightingale (1820-1910), Jane Addams (1860-1935), and Frances Willard (1839-1898). You won't like some of Willard's views! Yes she "slept with the enemy"! Presented by Meg Bowman.
Jun 5: Humanism's Moment
Attendees at the AHA Conference in Albuquerque are excited about what they experienced and are sure their enthusiasm will become infectious in our community. This is our moment! The need for a humane and fact-based, yet optimistic worldview, has never been greater. Rather than becoming disheartened by the toxic trends that are destroying the nation we love and the planet we are dependent on, we take the trends as a spur to action. We can make a difference when it matters most. Series of brief presentations, followed by questions from the audience. (moderated)
Jun 12: ABCs of Advice-Giving, Humanist Style
Molleen Matsumura's "Sweet Reason" advice column for Humanists, Brights, atheists, and non-religious folk generally is a real community project. All of us on occasion wonder if and how to give advice to others. Molleen comes to our assistance as she shares her evolving philosophy. She looks forward to your comments.
Jun 19: Father's Day
Please bring a short reading or poem honoring dads. We will explore why so few men are in touch with their feelings via a short dramatic reading entitled "Feelings". Psychologists and sociologists will love this play! Presented by Meg Bowman.
Jun 26: Recognizing Stages of Growth
Growth suggests those positive changes that enable people to discover new things about themselves and others. In this intergenerational program Bill Jacobsen will focus on how adults mature emotionally and ethically, while Lois Kellerman will celebrate how the children in HC's Kids Program are moving on to new stages in their growth. When you come, you show your support of our program and allow yourself to review how you've grown as a person. When we stop learning, we are worse than uneducable: we are dead.
Jul 3: John Stuart Mill's Universe
Most people think of Mill's ethical system when his name arises, but he, like David Hume, also had challenging things to say about politics, religion, and theology. Bill Jacobsen speaks.
Jul 10: Kwame Anthony Appiah's Rooted Cosmopolitanism
As a gay African American, Princeton philosopher Appiah admires J. S. Mill's fight against the tyranny of the majority, even as he sorts out a nuanced approach to collective identities in his The Ethics of Identity. Bill Jacobsen speaks.
Jul 17: Deborah Sampson: Revolutionary War Heroine
(1760-1827) She disguised herself as a guy; was wounded twice; her sex was not discovered until she groaned in the morgue after being declared dead. The doctor, trying to hear a heart beat, said, "Well, well, well, what do we have here?" -- by Meg Bowman
Jul 24: Courage
A colloquy conducted by Arthur Jackson, Frank Friedlander. The question: "In what way do you en-courage (i.e. give courage to) others?"
Jul 31: The Erratic Buddhist-Rationalist Connection and the Suppressed Buddhist-Theosophy Connection
Since the mid-1920s, Buddhism has been heavily plugged in the West as a religion accessible to scientific rationalists due to the absence of any supernatural metaphysical presuppositions. Both Albert Einstein and Bertrand Russell admired Buddhism for this reason. But in the late 19th Century, the main institution heavily propagating Buddhism was the Theosophist movement, the direct ancestor of today's New Age movement, and anathema to rationalists and humanists. Accounts of Buddhist teaching since the 1920s tend to sweep under the rug the strong 19th century association between Theosophy and Buddhism. This talk will take a second look at that connection and ask if rationalists should distance themselves from Einstein and Russell's enthusiasm for Buddhism as a consequence. Speaker Jonathan Harvey, who is a member of the Sangha for Skeptical Buddhism, will answer No but will provide a lot of ammunition to folks who may disagree.
Aug 7: Bertrand Russell, Skeptic
Bertrand Russell, philosopher, humanist and peace activist, was one of the most important figures of the Twentieth Century. Central to his life and thought is a philosophy of skepticism. Come learn about Russell's philosophy and how he applied skepticism to important questions of religion and politics. Our guest speaker is Peter Stone, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Stanford University. He has been a member of the Bertrand Russell Society for over 14 years and a founding member of the Bay Area Russell Set.
Aug 14: Power in Eden: The Emergence of Gender Hierarchies in the Ancient World
Did the emergence of gender hierarchies happen suddenly or did it happen gradually, in stages, over thousands of years? Can the status of women in a culture be predicted by whether child-rearing practices are integrated or segregated? Were women simply victims of circumstance or do they bear some responsibility for their subordination? Bruce Lerro, adjunct college teacher and writer, speaks.
Aug 21: Honoring Humanist Women
Honoring older women and reclaiming the word "crone" (wise older woman) -- a participatory celebration! What does being your age mean to you? Presented by Meg Bowman.
Aug 28: Planned Parenthood: Unwavering Protector of Choice
For nearly ninety years, national Planned Parenthood has promoted and protected reproductive choice. Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, our local affiliate, is the largest and most program-diverse in the country. Elena Love, our affiliate's Vice-President of People Support and Development, will share some characteristics and accomplishments that have helped it thrive. In particular, she will focus on challenges met and opportunities grasped.
Sep 4: Future Issues in Humanism -- Mel Lipman, President AHA
Mel Lipman, President of the American Humanist Association, often makes use of letters to the editor and apearances on talk shows to clarify the Humanist philosophy and change people's attitudes on the community of reason. He declares, "My biggest concern is to counter the propaganda from people who think that people who don't believe in a supernatural being can't live moral, ethical lives."
Sep 11: The Joys and Pitfalls of Groups
Much of our life's work is done in small groups. Examples include families, support groups, street gangs, teams, boards, and problem-solving/decision-making groups in organizatons. Although quite different in purpose, there are some common behaviors underlying most group process which can facilitate or hinder the group's effectiveness. We'll discuss these, then break up into small groups to experience and identify these behaviors. And, in the proces we will hopefully get to know each other better. Frank Friedlander
Sep 18: Guarding The Garden: An Eco-Feminist Dramatic Reading by Rabbi Margo Stein.
A Humorous look at Eden and why Lilith and Eve give Adam such a hard time. Learn why Adam hears a voice from "Up There" and Lilith hears a voice from Mother Earth. Have you ever heard of Shikhina? Presented by Meg Bowman.
Sep 25: Solving
A colloquy. Question: How do you go about solving problems? No one approach suits all of life's problems. Each person reflects a partiular style, stressing one approach over another. Paula Rochelle facilitates.
Oct 2: Empathy: The Most Challenging Critical Thinking Skill
Join Ben Wade for an opportunity to learn about and practice the skill of empathy. It could change your life for the better in very important ways.
Oct 9: Anticipations...
I hope you're as excited as I am about the new directions and increased energies sure to come when my successor gets in gear. You can help that individual bring this community to a new level of growth in depth and out-reach. The question is: HOW? Bill Jacobsen speaks.
Oct 16: Goddesses, Witches, and Paradigm Shift
Meg Bowman presents a brief look at what ancient Goddesses represented, followed by an analysis of "The Burning Times" and ending with the macro-social and technological challenges of today. Don't miss "The Burning Judges" a socio-drama as members of the audience are sentenced to death for heresy, paganism, talking to cats, and questioning the Trinity.
Oct 23: As You Judge, You're The One Judged!
"Judge Not, Lest..." But sometimes that task can't be avoided. Whether you're a jurist deciding the fate of the accused, a single in search of a mate, a voter looking for the best candidate, or a member of a search committee for a corporation or a community -- you yourself will be judged. The question is: How? Bill Jacobsen speaks.
Oct 30: A Sense Of Time And Place
Sure, American culture prizes adventurous folks who move on to discover new lands and who dream about what is possible in the future. But, a case can also be made for traditionalists who cherish old values and feel rooted in a specific locale. Think of New Orleans. Even California! The question is: Why? Bill Jacobsen speaks.
Nov 6: The Joy of Mortality
Many folks miss out on why finality in their existence is a basis for living a more meaningful and happy life because they imagine that an eternal duration of themselves, or of humanity, of "something", would be better. Not only fanatic religionists and terrorists lust after something eternal, so also do a few secularists, like Martin Seligman, who switched as he went from Learned Optimism to Authentic Happiness -- more evidence of the wicked influence of Sir John Templeton and his money. BJ speaks.
Nov 13: Have You Met PBS's Charlie Rose?
Even if you skip his interviews with prominent people in the arts, sciences, and sports, you still find at least half of his programming devoted to significant leaders in business and government, who, for better or worse, shape the world we live in. BJ speaks.
Nov 20: "DAISY": Juliette Gordon Low (1860-1927)
Born into a wealthy family in Savannah, Georgia, Daisy married wealthy William Low (who later died of syphilis leaving his vast fortune to a mistress). Who could have predicted that almost-deaf, scatter-brained Daisy would stop entertaining royalty in England and found the Girl Scouts of America? Don't miss this fascinating life story! -- Meg Bowman
Nov 27: Hunger
Now that you've more than satisfied your hunger for food this past Thanksgiving, you may be ready to address your other "hungers". Perhaps a hunger for fame, love, security, fun, or whatever's right for you. This colloquy is led by Paula Rochelle.
Dec 4: Sober Science & Insightful Fantasy vs. Superstition and Banality
First of a three part series by Bill Jacobsen on how to understand what's going on so we can act prudently and powerfully. This week: How to balance the two sides of our brains as we try to live out our lives in the one world we know we have. Will this road map do the job?
Dec 11: City on a Hill . . . in Brazil?
This week: John Winthrop's 1630 vision of Boston gets a mixed review. His attractive vision of a caring commonwealth is offset by the nightmare of a mean theocracy implicit in his lay-sermon. Does city planning in Curitiba provide a corrective? Bill McKibben's thoughts can be found in Paul Rogat Loeb's The Impossible Will Take a Little While: A Citizen's Guide to Hope in a Time of Fear.
Dec 18: Acts of God or Acts of People?
This week: We aren't in a position to control everything. Sometimes Mother Nature is merciless, indifferent to human suffering. Think tsunamis, hurricanes, earthquakes. On the other hand, we can avoid making things worse and on occasion even bringing beauty out of ugliness. That's the hope that drives humanity at its best. No guarantees, but lots of hope.
Dec 25: (no Forum)