The Leeds Humanists September Book Club choice is We Are Free to Change the World: Hannah Arendt’s Lessons in Love and Disobedience, by Lyndsey Stonebridge. Join us for a spirited conversation as we explore humanist perspectives on the issues which shaped Arendt’s life and philosophy.

This new book by Birmingham University Professor Lyndsey Stonebridge has sparked a renewed interest in the work of Hannah Arendt. Hannah Arendt’s life and political philosophy was shaped in a time when democracy was under similar threats to those faced today: authoritarianism, disenchantment, post-truth politics, conspiracy theories, racism and mass displacement.

How are we as humanists rising to these challenges? Are we ensuring that (as the 2023 World Humanist Congress affirmed) “Democracy as a culture must be actively defended against all threats, including those from regimes, movements and political parties that embrace authoritarian principles, from those with unaccountable economic and social power, and from all other forces that seek to undermine democratic values and institutions.”?

“I look forward to seeing you and having another humanist conversation about a non-binary topic. We look forward to seeing you there!” - Gerard Segovia (They/Them), Coordinator of Leeds Humanists