Click here for information about our first event of 2007-08!

Humanists, freethinkers, atheists, agnostics, secular humanists, naturalists, etc. We go by many names which reflect a diversity of opinions and a range of approaches to living and examining life. And our skepticism often leads to a suspicion of groups in general! Yet we all share certain basic beliefs that bring us together – that life can be lived well without an appeal to the supernatural, that critical thinking and debate are good, and that communities can enrich the lives of individuals.

The Harvard Graduate Humanist Group started several years ago with a group of non-religious students seeking a community of like-minded individuals for social and intellectual interactions. The ideas outlined in the Humanist Manifesto provided a common ground for discussion. We do not all agree with everything in the manifesto (that would be no fun at all!), but it offers a starting point for the kind of community we would like to create. Our members come from all of the graduate schools at Harvard and have a wide range of backgrounds and concerns. Discussions at our gatherings range from the political ( e.g., church-state separation) to the personal (e.g., living with a religious partner) and even to the spiritual (can you be a spiritual humanist?).

This year we will be holding regular social events to get to know one another and define the shape of our community. We welcome all who are curious to come and meet us, ask questions, share concerns. Many members are interested in going beyond intellectual endeavors and finding ways to contribute to the campus and local community. Our group is growing and active, but your level of involvement is up to you. So sign up on our list-serv and look for the next social event. We may be the group you’ve been looking for.

If you have any questions about the graduate group, please contact Peter Blake at blakepe dot gmail.com.