Heretics & humanists: a history of freethought, Bristol & beyond. with Maddy Goodall

Join us to explore the rich history and significant impact of humanist thought in Britain, and to trace its roots across continents, countries and through thousands of years.

Humanism is a long-lived and active philosophy, embodied not only by those more modern individuals who have self-identified as humanists but by people all over the world for as long as there have been human beings. From the presence of humanist ideas in far eastern and African traditions, and in the ancient worlds of Greece and Rome, through the ferment of the 19th century, and up to the present day, Maddy's talk will explore many strands and centuries of the humanist tradition. She will highlight some of the key thinkers and doers who laid the groundwork, often against significant persecution, for the organised humanist movement, and helped to create the arguably freer and more equal society we have today.

Everyone is welcome to attend this event. It is FREE to members of Bristol Humanists, others we request a donation of £3/£1. This is an in-person event taking place at our regular venue of the Unitarian Meeting Hall. It will not be available on-line.

Note this event is coupled with a separate Bristol Humanist Heritage Walk, taking place on Sunday June 5th, as part of Jubilee events. Details at bristolhumanists.com

Maddy Goodall is the Humanist Heritage Coordinator at Humanists UK, and has been researching the history of humanism, secularism, and freethought in the UK since 2019 as part of the Humanist Heritage project. She has developed the significant resource that is Humanist Heritage https://heritage.humanists.uk/, launched in 2021 to mark the 125th anniversary of Humanists UK, which was founded in 1896 as the Union of Ethical Societies. This year, Humanist Heritage is publishing a 'History of Humanism in 100 Objects' to continue the exploration of this rich humanist tradition.

This will be an in-person event. Location is:

Unitarian Meeting Hall

Pembroke House, 11 Brunswick Square, St Paul's, Bristol BS2 8PE