If you’re reading this, you’re probably a human, but you may not be a humanist.
According to the Upper Valley Humanists Association, the definition of a humanist is someone who relies on human experience and scientific inquiry, rather than divine revelation, for guidance on how to live well. “So in making our life choices, we rely on scientific facts and we listen to our own inner voice and to wise people of all persuasions,” Jim Fickett, of West Lebanon, one of the group’s organizers, said in an email.
The Upper Valley Humanists Association, which meets on the first and third Sundays each month for potluck lunch and discussion, also takes part in local volunteer activities and hosts social events.
The group’s next meeting takes place today, at 11 a.m., at the Norwich Public Library.
People with all points of view are welcome to attend — the only requirement is that participants be respectful, tolerant, civil and willing to learn. The group also maintains a Meetup page (www.meetup.com/Upper-Valley-Humanists-Association) that provides more information and a platform for discussion on topics from climate change to books and films.
In cooperation with other members of the group, Fickett discussed the Upper Valley Humanists’ point of view in a recent Q&A. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
Question: What sorts of people belong to the Upper Valley Humanists Association?
Answer: Our members come from both Vermont and New Hampshire, and from both near (Norwich) and far (e.g. Roxbury).
Many professional backgrounds are represented: librarian, legislator, mathematician, engineer, social worker, psychiatrist, medical doctor and writer, to name a few. Currently the age range runs from early career through retirement.
Q: Why are you, personally, drawn to the humanist philosophy?
A: I was raised in the church, but eventually came to believe it is more honest to view gods as inventions of humans, rather than the other way around.
Q: What are some of the topics you discuss at your Sunday potluck meetings?
A: We are very interested in making the world a better place, so we have discussed the opioid epidemic, climate change, homelessness, politics, inequality and constitutional law.
We are also quite interested in just understanding who we are and how we work, so we have discussed philosophical topics like the nature of virtue and personal experiences in religion, agnosticism and atheism.
Q: What other kinds of activities do you participate in?
A: A major reason for the existence of the group is simply to enjoy having a good time together. We’ve gone tubing on the White River, taken a road trip to Montreal, had various picnics and dinners together and taken hikes.
Q: What’s the group’s stance toward people who hold differing views? As public debate grows more polarized, has it affected your outlook at all?
A: That is a very important question! We feel very strongly that tolerance, respect and dialogue are badly needed right now, and we welcome all viewpoints.
Most of the group is quite liberal, but not all, and we work to set emotions aside and have productive dialogue about differing viewpoints.