Humanist Monthly Program: "Finding Purpose in a Secular Life"

"Humanism is a progressive philosophy of life that, without supernaturalism, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment that aspire to the greater good of humanity."

-Humanist Manifesto III

How do secular people find purpose in their life? This is not an abstract question: recent research shows that a sense of purpose is vital for human well-being. Yet unlike for religious people, purpose is not clearly laid out for nonbelievers. This talk will illuminate the various ways that secular people have found purpose and meaning in their life, and suggest some empowering strategies for doing so. It will combine insights drawn from recent psychological and neuroscience research, writings by secular thinkers, and the presenter’s experience of running a series of events where secular people discussed the meanings and values they find in their lives.

Gleb Tsipursky, PhD, is the Co-Founder and Chief Insights Officer of Intentional Insights. Its mission is to promote rational thinking and thus the secularization of society in a subtle and innovative way – by tying it to self-interest. We get rid of the “woo” ubiquitous in the field of self-improvement and leadership development and apply only research-based approaches to illustrate how rational thinking helps people achieve their goals. For secular audiences in particular, we offer workshops, professional development, and online resources with evidence-based strategies for how individuals, teams, and organizations can make effective decisions, manage relationships, minimize stress, and reach their goals; on research-informed strategies for promoting secular causes; on scientific findings that help secular people find purpose, meaning, and happiness; finally, on how research informs the best practices for interfaith engagement. Gleb Tsipursky is also a tenure-track professor at The Ohio State University, specializing in analyzing decision-making and goal achievement in historical contexts. Together with his spouse, Agnes Vishnevkin, he runs the “Values and Meanings” HCCO event.

Join us at 12:30 for pizza in the meeting room!