RECENT GROUP MEETINGS.

 

In FEBRUARY members each gave a brief Thought for the Day.

 

One recalled Rousseau’s “Man was born free but everywhere is in chains” and Marx’s admonition to unite  – “you have nothing to lose but your chains”.  She urged that we should all be vigilant and be ready to stand up for our rights.

 

Another described her choir, preparing to take part in the Leith Hill Festival, where everyone worked at their own part and combined to create a whole, rounded performance. This was an analogy of human society, each making his or her own contribution to a happy, healthy society.

 

Oil was the chosen subject of another Humanist – how ubiquitous it is in our modern life, from petrol to drugs, fertilisers to plastics, paint, nylon, detergents, food additives  - the list is endless. Inevitably it is going to become scarcer, and hence more expensive. This will have major effects on our lives and on global power politics.

 

Another pointed out that in a secular state, believers must be free to practise their chosen religion (so long as it is not to the detriment of the rest of society) and non- believers must be free not to believe.   The important factor is freedom, in a democratic society.

Another Humanist thought that many older people have too negative an attitude, complaining about everything.   Rather than arguing with them his answer to this was to avoid mixing with them.

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