Doubt, if tempered with optimism and curiosity, can encourage dialogue and exploration. It offers more opportunity for the changing of minds. If nothing else, doubt will help us follow one of the most rudimentary rules taught to us: look before we leap. Doubt can inhibit rash behavior. That’s important because despite our relatively advanced intellects, we can be spectacularly stupid.
\n\nAlso for the show notes: For the philosophers out there, Hugh recommends Hume’s The Natural History of Religion (1757) and Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion (1779) for some early empirical support of doubt.
","summary":"Doubt, if tempered with optimism and curiosity, can encourage dialogue and exploration. ","date_published":"2024-12-20T15:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/c290d51e-14fb-4841-81d3-8a6fe059239c/083fdb42-83f8-4579-acdd-66ffb3fa2591.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":12701488,"duration_in_seconds":529}]},{"id":"fba677f4-5bd6-4e92-aeb0-2efe17c92fc7","title":"Doubts About Certainty","url":"https://ingoodwetrust.fireside.fm/22","content_text":"Felix Adler who founded Ethical Culture warned about the certainty of religious fanatics. Certainty can lead people to condemn heretics and burn witches in the fires of fanaticism. Crusades, inquisitions, and jihads have slaughtered men, women, and children. Some true believers are eager to kill each other to prove a point. That’s why Adler founded a movement based not on competing metaphysics, but on ethical cooperation. Atheists can be certain too, but usually they don't kill because of it. ","content_html":"Felix Adler who founded Ethical Culture warned about the certainty of religious fanatics. Certainty can lead people to condemn heretics and burn witches in the fires of fanaticism. Crusades, inquisitions, and jihads have slaughtered men, women, and children. Some true believers are eager to kill each other to prove a point. That’s why Adler founded a movement based not on competing metaphysics, but on ethical cooperation. Atheists can be certain too, but usually they don't kill because of it.
","summary":"Certainty can lead people to condemn heretics and burn witches in the fires of fanaticism.","date_published":"2024-12-06T13:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/c290d51e-14fb-4841-81d3-8a6fe059239c/fba677f4-5bd6-4e92-aeb0-2efe17c92fc7.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":12460743,"duration_in_seconds":519}]},{"id":"f2cb7663-2de4-4397-9924-1da76d6bd0ce","title":"The Persistence Of Ghosts","url":"https://ingoodwetrust.fireside.fm/21","content_text":"There are lots of psychological reasons for why so many of us believe in ghosts: they thrill, they sell books, movies, and ghost tours, they can give us a sense of control over death, and they can connect us to those we’ve lost. But as a humanist, I’ll work to help the need for ghosts fade away by offering a way to satisfy the deep yearning for human connection with those dead and gone. I'll promote remembering the best in the lives of others and trying to live as they did. Perhaps we’d feel less haunted if we more effectively manifest in our lives and in our actions the ideals of the dead we most admire. \n\nSome sources used:\n\n— Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife, Mary Roach\n— The Ghost Story Persists in American Literature. Why? by Parul Sehgal - Oct. 22, 2018 FROM: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/22/books/review/ghost-stories.html\n— “Ghosts in the Ancient World”, Joshua J. Mark, founder of World History Encyclopedia FROM: https://www.worldhistory.org/ghost/","content_html":"There are lots of psychological reasons for why so many of us believe in ghosts: they thrill, they sell books, movies, and ghost tours, they can give us a sense of control over death, and they can connect us to those we’ve lost. But as a humanist, I’ll work to help the need for ghosts fade away by offering a way to satisfy the deep yearning for human connection with those dead and gone. I'll promote remembering the best in the lives of others and trying to live as they did. Perhaps we’d feel less haunted if we more effectively manifest in our lives and in our actions the ideals of the dead we most admire.
\n\nSome sources used:
\n\n— Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife, Mary Roach
\n— The Ghost Story Persists in American Literature. Why? by Parul Sehgal - Oct. 22, 2018 FROM: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/22/books/review/ghost-stories.html
\n— “Ghosts in the Ancient World”, Joshua J. Mark, founder of World History Encyclopedia FROM: https://www.worldhistory.org/ghost/
NOTE: Join me live at 11AM this Sunday at the Philadelphia Ethical Society or on Zoom at this link to hear more reflections about Stoicism and peace. Those living in or near
\nPhiladelphia can also learn more about Stoicism by checking out Philadelphia Stoa, a lively
\nphilosophical group meeting at the Ethical Society. Their website is
\nhttps://philadelphiastoa.org/. And wherever you are, I recommend
\nA Handbook for New Stoics written by Massimo Pigliucci and Gregory Lopez. May your week be
\nfull of serenity!
--
\n\nIn honor of the United Nations International Day of Peace, Hugh Taft-Morales explores how the philosophy of Stoicism can help us build peace from the inside out. It can help us nurture peace within by contemplating the "big picture" and by understanding what we can control and what we cannot. Stoicism can help us manage the relationships between our thoughts, emotions, and behavior. This can lead to greater equanimity and more effective peacebuilding in the world.
","summary":"In honor of the United Nations International Day of Peace, Hugh Taft-Morales explores how the philosophy of Stoicism can help us build peace from the inside out.","date_published":"2024-09-19T16:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/c290d51e-14fb-4841-81d3-8a6fe059239c/74d9e8b7-09d3-47d8-b6b8-542e7b793369.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":17232374,"duration_in_seconds":717}]},{"id":"482305f7-b656-42a7-8992-f994d02c6dc9","title":"Women & The Labor Movement","url":"https://ingoodwetrust.fireside.fm/19","content_text":"Like all human institutions, organized labor is not perfect. But I believe that no other movement has done more to uplift average people and offer hope for a fairer society. We need it revived today more than ever. Right now 40 million Americans suffer from poverty and the gap between the richest and poorest citizens continues to grow. As we approach Labor Day, I suggest that we improve our nation by celebrating and supporting the role of working women, both historically and for our future.","content_html":"Like all human institutions, organized labor is not perfect. But I believe that no other movement has done more to uplift average people and offer hope for a fairer society. We need it revived today more than ever. Right now 40 million Americans suffer from poverty and the gap between the richest and poorest citizens continues to grow. As we approach Labor Day, I suggest that we improve our nation by celebrating and supporting the role of working women, both historically and for our future.
","summary":"No other movement has done more to uplift average people and offer hope for a fairer society. We need it revived today more than ever. ","date_published":"2024-08-30T16:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/c290d51e-14fb-4841-81d3-8a6fe059239c/482305f7-b656-42a7-8992-f994d02c6dc9.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":13986712,"duration_in_seconds":582}]},{"id":"af9e5e18-0229-406d-9661-44e9c5f42b83","title":"Heartbreak & Healing","url":"https://ingoodwetrust.fireside.fm/18","content_text":"I want to explore what we can learn about personal heartbreak that can help us heal as a nation. I try to keep my eyes and heart open, but I struggle. It’s not easy to be both aware and empathetic when so many in the world suffer. It breaks my heart. And it’s not always easy to get over heartbreak. It can be on-going, as if parts of your heart break every day. Florence Williams in Heartbreak: A Personal and Scientific Journey writes, “heartbreak is not a condition to be bandaged and cured. It is more like a bruise in the brain. It never really disappears.” But there are ways to heal sufficiently so that the joy of life and the harmony of our nation can be revived. ","content_html":"I want to explore what we can learn about personal heartbreak that can help us heal as a nation. I try to keep my eyes and heart open, but I struggle. It’s not easy to be both aware and empathetic when so many in the world suffer. It breaks my heart. And it’s not always easy to get over heartbreak. It can be on-going, as if parts of your heart break every day. Florence Williams in Heartbreak: A Personal and Scientific Journey writes, “heartbreak is not a condition to be bandaged and cured. It is more like a bruise in the brain. It never really disappears.” But there are ways to heal sufficiently so that the joy of life and the harmony of our nation can be revived.
","summary":"What we can learn about personal heartbreak that can help us heal as a nation?","date_published":"2024-08-11T15:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/c290d51e-14fb-4841-81d3-8a6fe059239c/af9e5e18-0229-406d-9661-44e9c5f42b83.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":15090124,"duration_in_seconds":628}]},{"id":"c48c5c3b-71fa-427f-bbc6-132a80a48d59","title":"Character, Misogyny & Power","url":"https://ingoodwetrust.fireside.fm/17","content_text":"Politicians from both major parties and with a wide variety of political perspectives often seem more interested in power than character. In the case of too many male politicians, this manifests in misogyny and sexism. Bill Clinton and Donald Trump were criticized for callous attitudes and behavior toward women. And yet, in the wake of the \"Me Too\" movement, outrage over this seems to have subsided. Have we become inured to politicians who we hand over power but would not want as role models for our children?","content_html":"Politicians from both major parties and with a wide variety of political perspectives often seem more interested in power than character. In the case of too many male politicians, this manifests in misogyny and sexism. Bill Clinton and Donald Trump were criticized for callous attitudes and behavior toward women. And yet, in the wake of the "Me Too" movement, outrage over this seems to have subsided. Have we become inured to politicians who we hand over power but would not want as role models for our children?
","summary":"Have we become inured to politicians who we hand over power but would not want as role models for our children?","date_published":"2024-07-19T16:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/c290d51e-14fb-4841-81d3-8a6fe059239c/c48c5c3b-71fa-427f-bbc6-132a80a48d59.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":11666412,"duration_in_seconds":485}]},{"id":"452e8827-4e5e-4290-847f-fa2e8870e2a0","title":"The Ethics Of Patriotism","url":"https://ingoodwetrust.fireside.fm/16","content_text":"Patriotism is defined as “the love, devotion and sense of attachment to a homeland and alliance with other citizens who feel the same.” It’s a term that goes all the way back to the Greek word “patrios,” meaning, “of one’s father.” In and of itself, attachment to one’s ancestors seems unproblematic. Ethical questions arise for me when patriotism evolves into its modern form – militarized and nationalistic. In the late 18th century, patriotism became more exclusionary, tribal, and chauvinistic.","content_html":"Patriotism is defined as “the love, devotion and sense of attachment to a homeland and alliance with other citizens who feel the same.” It’s a term that goes all the way back to the Greek word “patrios,” meaning, “of one’s father.” In and of itself, attachment to one’s ancestors seems unproblematic. Ethical questions arise for me when patriotism evolves into its modern form – militarized and nationalistic. In the late 18th century, patriotism became more exclusionary, tribal, and chauvinistic.
","summary":"In and of itself, attachment to one’s ancestors seems unproblematic. Ethical questions arise when patriotism evolves into its modern form.","date_published":"2024-07-01T15:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/c290d51e-14fb-4841-81d3-8a6fe059239c/452e8827-4e5e-4290-847f-fa2e8870e2a0.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":16172848,"duration_in_seconds":673}]},{"id":"204056f8-d15e-40d5-b4f1-3623a7be2c8e","title":"Why Do We Do Good","url":"https://ingoodwetrust.fireside.fm/15","content_text":"The psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg believed humans developed through stages of moral reasoning in their lives, from doing good because we are told to do good, to doing good for rewards, to doing good to fit into social groups, to doing good because reason impels us. I think, I “do good” for all the reasons Kohlberg identifies, but also because I’m biologically hard wired to do so due to evolutionary pressures. Cooperation is a highly valued personality trait that probably contributes more to our survivability than we give it credit for. \n\nSources:\n\n\nPsychologist Lawrence Kohlberg\nStephen Post, Director of the Center for Medical Humanities at Stony Brook\nUCLA professor Naomi Eisenberger\nRobert Ingersoll, 19th century agnostic activist\nSue Brewton discusses Lincoln in this article: https://suebrewton.com/2016/01/31/no-that-is-not-what-abraham-lincoln-said/\n","content_html":"The psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg believed humans developed through stages of moral reasoning in their lives, from doing good because we are told to do good, to doing good for rewards, to doing good to fit into social groups, to doing good because reason impels us. I think, I “do good” for all the reasons Kohlberg identifies, but also because I’m biologically hard wired to do so due to evolutionary pressures. Cooperation is a highly valued personality trait that probably contributes more to our survivability than we give it credit for.
\n\nSources:
\n\nAs a species, human beings love and kill. We can empathize deeply each other, and treat each other with dignity and respect. But we can also dehumanize one another to the point of becoming mortal enemies. This juxtaposition is bizarre. As technology makes killing easier, we’d better develop more empathy, maybe even for those we label our enemy.
","summary":"It's time to develop more empathy, maybe even for those we label our enemy.","date_published":"2024-05-24T16:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/c290d51e-14fb-4841-81d3-8a6fe059239c/6c8aaf4c-47be-442f-b45d-b8108905143f.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":11135395,"duration_in_seconds":463}]},{"id":"0397095a-4350-455c-9942-029e6473dbff","title":"Eclipse Reflections","url":"https://ingoodwetrust.fireside.fm/13","content_text":"What lessons we can draw from solar eclipses? They've frightened animals and fueled the supernaturalism of our ancestors. While science now offers us logical explanations, eclipses still provoke wonder and awe. For the scientist Ann Druyan, they offer “informed worship\" - experiences that might help us have greater respect for the fragility of life. Strangers from all over the country gathered in peace along the path of our April 2024 celestial event. Can we capitalize on this harmony and use the darkness of future eclipses to brighten our lives? ","content_html":"What lessons we can draw from solar eclipses? They've frightened animals and fueled the supernaturalism of our ancestors. While science now offers us logical explanations, eclipses still provoke wonder and awe. For the scientist Ann Druyan, they offer “informed worship" - experiences that might help us have greater respect for the fragility of life. Strangers from all over the country gathered in peace along the path of our April 2024 celestial event. Can we capitalize on this harmony and use the darkness of future eclipses to brighten our lives?
","summary":"What lessons we can draw from solar eclipses?","date_published":"2024-04-15T13:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/c290d51e-14fb-4841-81d3-8a6fe059239c/0397095a-4350-455c-9942-029e6473dbff.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":17976342,"duration_in_seconds":561}]},{"id":"f947a5b1-a3ae-4663-8df7-1707ce971ac2","title":"The Renewal Of Spring","url":"https://ingoodwetrust.fireside.fm/12","content_text":"All around the world people celebrate springtime. The return of warmth and light can make us feel revived and rejuvenated. Smell the flowers, reach up toward the sun, or try some \"tree-bathing\" by walking through the woods as the buds open. Children seem the most open to the wonder of spring. Let's follow their example and find a way to access this energy and life. You just may be healthier and happier. ","content_html":"All around the world people celebrate springtime. The return of warmth and light can make us feel revived and rejuvenated. Smell the flowers, reach up toward the sun, or try some "tree-bathing" by walking through the woods as the buds open. Children seem the most open to the wonder of spring. Let's follow their example and find a way to access this energy and life. You just may be healthier and happier.
","summary":"All around the world people celebrate springtime. The return of warmth and light can make us feel revived and rejuvenated. Smell the flowers, reach up toward the sun, or try some \"tree-bathing\" by walking through the woods as the buds open. Children seem the most open to the wonder of spring. Let's follow their example and find a way to access this energy and life. You just may be healthier and happier. ","date_published":"2024-03-24T14:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/c290d51e-14fb-4841-81d3-8a6fe059239c/f947a5b1-a3ae-4663-8df7-1707ce971ac2.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":13813677,"duration_in_seconds":575}]},{"id":"bd07a48c-9026-4f51-bff7-dba53b7ce77a","title":"How To Do Good","url":"https://ingoodwetrust.fireside.fm/11","content_text":"We have so little time and there are so many good deeds to do. When prioritizing how to do good, let’s strive to: 1) honor inherent worth of every person; 2) build social justice; 3) nurture ethical personal and organizational relationships grounded of mutuality and respect; and let’s do so by, 4) nurturing pragmatic cooperation where we agree; 5) using evidence and reason; and, 6) sustain commitment through a fulfilling and joyous life.\n\nCHOOSING ETHICAL ACTION PROJECTS\n\nIn choosing concrete ethical action projects, it is important to keep in mind which ones best represent the values and mission of Ethical Culture. Ethical Culture is not simply a social justice or community service organization. It is a humanistic ethical movement dedicated to inspiring people to do good. \n\nThe following are some suggested criteria when choosing an ethical action, community service, and/or social justice project. Ideally, the project should reflect:\n\n1) the importance of inherent worth;\n\n2) the development of potential of individuals (i.e. consider where potential is least realize and how to maximize our leverage);\n\n3) the importance of relationships, mutuality, and community;\n\n4) the long-term goal of social transformation;\n\n5) a pragmatic conviction to work together where we can agree on ethical action; and,\n\n6) the importance of reason (at least not violating reason, i.e. balancing emotional appeal by logic/science/empiricism/reality checks.)","content_html":"We have so little time and there are so many good deeds to do. When prioritizing how to do good, let’s strive to: 1) honor inherent worth of every person; 2) build social justice; 3) nurture ethical personal and organizational relationships grounded of mutuality and respect; and let’s do so by, 4) nurturing pragmatic cooperation where we agree; 5) using evidence and reason; and, 6) sustain commitment through a fulfilling and joyous life.
\n\nCHOOSING ETHICAL ACTION PROJECTS
\n\nIn choosing concrete ethical action projects, it is important to keep in mind which ones best represent the values and mission of Ethical Culture. Ethical Culture is not simply a social justice or community service organization. It is a humanistic ethical movement dedicated to inspiring people to do good.
\n\nThe following are some suggested criteria when choosing an ethical action, community service, and/or social justice project. Ideally, the project should reflect:
\n\n1) the importance of inherent worth;
\n\n2) the development of potential of individuals (i.e. consider where potential is least realize and how to maximize our leverage);
\n\n3) the importance of relationships, mutuality, and community;
\n\n4) the long-term goal of social transformation;
\n\n5) a pragmatic conviction to work together where we can agree on ethical action; and,
\n\n6) the importance of reason (at least not violating reason, i.e. balancing emotional appeal by logic/science/empiricism/reality checks.)
","summary":"We have so little time and there are so many good deeds to do. ","date_published":"2024-03-08T11:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/c290d51e-14fb-4841-81d3-8a6fe059239c/bd07a48c-9026-4f51-bff7-dba53b7ce77a.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":12426888,"duration_in_seconds":517}]},{"id":"c6ea0581-fde2-44fc-9e3c-703629817954","title":"The Story Of Ethical Culture","url":"https://ingoodwetrust.fireside.fm/10","content_text":"Ethical Culture, a humanist alternative to traditional religion, focuses on doing good in this world. It promotes ethical relationships in which everyone is treated as being of inherent worth. Created by Felix Adler in the late nineteenth century, it emphasizes \"deed before creed\" and continues to try to build a better world today. ","content_html":"Ethical Culture, a humanist alternative to traditional religion, focuses on doing good in this world. It promotes ethical relationships in which everyone is treated as being of inherent worth. Created by Felix Adler in the late nineteenth century, it emphasizes "deed before creed" and continues to try to build a better world today.
","summary":"Ethical Culture, a humanist alternative to traditional religion, focuses on doing good in this world. It promotes ethical relationships in which everyone is treated as being of inherent worth. ","date_published":"2024-02-23T15:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/c290d51e-14fb-4841-81d3-8a6fe059239c/c6ea0581-fde2-44fc-9e3c-703629817954.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":15706405,"duration_in_seconds":654}]},{"id":"5744cb7f-3693-4612-9bea-8ad28fc4d44f","title":"Valentine’s Day","url":"https://ingoodwetrust.fireside.fm/9","content_text":"While the traditional romantic paradigm of Valentine’s Day has its charms, maybe it needs revision. Rather than only emphasizing being swept up in a wave of emotions, healthy romance should take into account reason and action. It should include thoughtful, kind behavior that respects the autonomy and uniqueness of those in love. Valentine’s Day can even reach beyond romantic relationships. Let's celebrate the loving bonds that hold communities together. We need that kind of love more every day, not just February 14th.","content_html":"While the traditional romantic paradigm of Valentine’s Day has its charms, maybe it needs revision. Rather than only emphasizing being swept up in a wave of emotions, healthy romance should take into account reason and action. It should include thoughtful, kind behavior that respects the autonomy and uniqueness of those in love. Valentine’s Day can even reach beyond romantic relationships. Let's celebrate the loving bonds that hold communities together. We need that kind of love more every day, not just February 14th.
","summary":"While the traditional romantic paradigm of Valentine’s Day has its charms, maybe it needs revision.","date_published":"2024-02-12T11:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/c290d51e-14fb-4841-81d3-8a6fe059239c/5744cb7f-3693-4612-9bea-8ad28fc4d44f.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":17952100,"duration_in_seconds":560}]},{"id":"85e97f21-ac37-40a2-a7e1-1b4ced773130","title":"Heroes & Drum Majors","url":"https://ingoodwetrust.fireside.fm/8","content_text":"Martin Luther King Jr. explained that, “Structures of evil do not crumble by passive waiting. Evil must be attacked by a counteracting persistence, by the day-to-day assault of the battering rams of justice.” We tend to retreat from this challenge. We think it’s not our place to be drum majors of justice. We feel too small in comparison with our moral heroes. But our moral heroes have feet of clay. When we realize that, can we better strive to be like them? In the speech titled “The Drum Major Instinct”, King encourages us to think boldly enough about ourselves to try to be out front, to be a drum major for justice. ","content_html":"Martin Luther King Jr. explained that, “Structures of evil do not crumble by passive waiting. Evil must be attacked by a counteracting persistence, by the day-to-day assault of the battering rams of justice.” We tend to retreat from this challenge. We think it’s not our place to be drum majors of justice. We feel too small in comparison with our moral heroes. But our moral heroes have feet of clay. When we realize that, can we better strive to be like them? In the speech titled “The Drum Major Instinct”, King encourages us to think boldly enough about ourselves to try to be out front, to be a drum major for justice.
","summary":"Martin Luther King encouraged us to think boldly enough about ourselves to try to be out front, to be a drum major for justice. ","date_published":"2024-02-02T14:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/c290d51e-14fb-4841-81d3-8a6fe059239c/85e97f21-ac37-40a2-a7e1-1b4ced773130.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":13660704,"duration_in_seconds":569}]},{"id":"a84501e7-5209-4b40-9c6b-b1c17b296926","title":"The Winter Solstice ","url":"https://ingoodwetrust.fireside.fm/7","content_text":"This year of 2023, on Thursday, December 21 at exactly 10:27PM, the sun’s rays will shine on the northern hemisphere at their lowest most acute angle. Since colder air holds less humidity, the stars can seem at their brightest. So when we bundle up, wander into the cold night, and stare up at the stars, we can feel both alone and connected to everything. \n\nIf you are in the Philadelphia area, come to 1906 Rittenhouse Square for our humanist Winter Solstice program at 11:00AM EST. If you are elsewhere on our planet on December 17, join our Zoom version at 2PM here: www.tiny.cc/phillyethics","content_html":"This year of 2023, on Thursday, December 21 at exactly 10:27PM, the sun’s rays will shine on the northern hemisphere at their lowest most acute angle. Since colder air holds less humidity, the stars can seem at their brightest. So when we bundle up, wander into the cold night, and stare up at the stars, we can feel both alone and connected to everything.
\n\nIf you are in the Philadelphia area, come to 1906 Rittenhouse Square for our humanist Winter Solstice program at 11:00AM EST. If you are elsewhere on our planet on December 17, join our Zoom version at 2PM here: www.tiny.cc/phillyethics
","summary":"This year of 2023, on Thursday, December 21 at exactly 10:27PM, the sun’s rays will shine on the northern hemisphere at their lowest most acute angle.","date_published":"2023-12-15T14:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/c290d51e-14fb-4841-81d3-8a6fe059239c/a84501e7-5209-4b40-9c6b-b1c17b296926.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":23141482,"duration_in_seconds":723}]},{"id":"1fb5b866-9ac6-4e6a-8991-89556b060e5c","title":"The Spirit Of Giving","url":"https://ingoodwetrust.fireside.fm/6","content_text":"The holiday season can bring joy, but also can overwhelm us with consumer anxiety. We're conditioned to focus more on the material gifts we give than nurturing our relationships with those close to us. Paradoxically, this can increase our sense of alienation during a time of supposed togetherness. What can we do to honor the spirit of giving in a way that uplifts us all?","content_html":"The holiday season can bring joy, but also can overwhelm us with consumer anxiety. We're conditioned to focus more on the material gifts we give than nurturing our relationships with those close to us. Paradoxically, this can increase our sense of alienation during a time of supposed togetherness. What can we do to honor the spirit of giving in a way that uplifts us all?
","summary":"What can we do to honor the spirit of giving in a way that uplifts us all?","date_published":"2023-12-15T14:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/c290d51e-14fb-4841-81d3-8a6fe059239c/1fb5b866-9ac6-4e6a-8991-89556b060e5c.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":18655108,"duration_in_seconds":582}]},{"id":"2e706e28-0bc2-437a-9687-5f467cd24e8a","title":"The Golden Rule","url":"https://ingoodwetrust.fireside.fm/5","content_text":"Is the Golden Rule overly idealistic and vague? Don’t we have to consider the issue of power? Tokens of generosity may be a good thing, but they don’t address the profound inequality in society. Some say that the “real” golden rule is, “Whoever has the gold makes the rules.” How do we respond to Kwame Anthony Appiah, who writes The Ethicist in the New York Times, who thinks that the Golden Rule doesn’t go far enough in embracing the uniqueness of every person? We need to empower others and give them space and autonomy and encouragement and… resources. Only then does the sacred nature of the Golden Rule arise.","content_html":"Is the Golden Rule overly idealistic and vague? Don’t we have to consider the issue of power? Tokens of generosity may be a good thing, but they don’t address the profound inequality in society. Some say that the “real” golden rule is, “Whoever has the gold makes the rules.” How do we respond to Kwame Anthony Appiah, who writes The Ethicist in the New York Times, who thinks that the Golden Rule doesn’t go far enough in embracing the uniqueness of every person? We need to empower others and give them space and autonomy and encouragement and… resources. Only then does the sacred nature of the Golden Rule arise.
","summary":"Is the Golden Rule overly idealistic and vague? Don’t we have to consider the issue of power?","date_published":"2023-12-01T12:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/c290d51e-14fb-4841-81d3-8a6fe059239c/2e706e28-0bc2-437a-9687-5f467cd24e8a.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":19598860,"duration_in_seconds":612}]},{"id":"96e8e662-908a-4410-91a7-36db1c4f66b8","title":"Deadly Sins","url":"https://ingoodwetrust.fireside.fm/4","content_text":"Do we really need to worry obsessively about deadly sins and the damnation they bring? Or should we nurture moderation and goodness in that is a part of human nature? Hugh Taft-Morales suggests that we stop flagellating ourselves and focus more on sharing the good things in life with millions of people struggling to survive.","content_html":"Do we really need to worry obsessively about deadly sins and the damnation they bring? Or should we nurture moderation and goodness in that is a part of human nature? Hugh Taft-Morales suggests that we stop flagellating ourselves and focus more on sharing the good things in life with millions of people struggling to survive.
","summary":"Do we really need to worry obsessively about deadly sins and the damnation they bring? Or should we nurture moderation and goodness in that is a part of human nature? Hugh Taft-Morales suggests that we stop flagellating ourselves and focus more on sharing the good things in life with millions of people struggling to survive.","date_published":"2023-11-18T11:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/c290d51e-14fb-4841-81d3-8a6fe059239c/96e8e662-908a-4410-91a7-36db1c4f66b8.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":17981357,"duration_in_seconds":561}]},{"id":"63ea6498-683b-4243-81d0-b5af86f0e9cd","title":"Wonder","url":"https://ingoodwetrust.fireside.fm/3","content_text":"In this episode we explore wonder and its place in our lives. Is it something we should pursue, or should we have \"loftier goals?\" Experiencing wonder in nature can lead to feeling both insignificant and connected to everything. Does that help us live more fully? Maybe the best thing about wonder is when share it with others, bonding together with energy and joy.","content_html":"In this episode we explore wonder and its place in our lives. Is it something we should pursue, or should we have "loftier goals?" Experiencing wonder in nature can lead to feeling both insignificant and connected to everything. Does that help us live more fully? Maybe the best thing about wonder is when share it with others, bonding together with energy and joy.
","summary":"Experiencing wonder in nature can lead to feeling both insignificant and connected to everything. Does that help us live more fully? ","date_published":"2023-11-03T13:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/c290d51e-14fb-4841-81d3-8a6fe059239c/63ea6498-683b-4243-81d0-b5af86f0e9cd.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":17173024,"duration_in_seconds":536}]},{"id":"9e5dce95-f7cb-4b0c-8fbb-16ba2f343686","title":"The Fragility Of Goodness","url":"https://ingoodwetrust.fireside.fm/2","content_text":"Today's show is about the fragility of goodness. Committing to goodness often means opening your eyes and heart to the suffering of the world. It can be heartbreaking. How do we open up without being crushed or retreating into self-centeredness? Philosopher Martha Nussbaum explains how often we construct rational explanations to distance ourselves and create a “goodness without fragility.” Phillip Hallie in Lest Innocent Blood Be Shed was drawn into protective rationalization while researching Nazi atrocities. But settlement house pioneer Jane Addams dealt with this pain through action. I admire her, and try to face the pain of the world and, as consistently as I can, act to comfort and empower others. As Adler wrote, “Suffering is a passive state; the cure of suffering is action.”","content_html":"Today's show is about the fragility of goodness. Committing to goodness often means opening your eyes and heart to the suffering of the world. It can be heartbreaking. How do we open up without being crushed or retreating into self-centeredness? Philosopher Martha Nussbaum explains how often we construct rational explanations to distance ourselves and create a “goodness without fragility.” Phillip Hallie in Lest Innocent Blood Be Shed was drawn into protective rationalization while researching Nazi atrocities. But settlement house pioneer Jane Addams dealt with this pain through action. I admire her, and try to face the pain of the world and, as consistently as I can, act to comfort and empower others. As Adler wrote, “Suffering is a passive state; the cure of suffering is action.”
","summary":"How do we open up without being crushed or retreating into self-centeredness?","date_published":"2023-10-20T15:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/c290d51e-14fb-4841-81d3-8a6fe059239c/9e5dce95-f7cb-4b0c-8fbb-16ba2f343686.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":19312975,"duration_in_seconds":603}]},{"id":"c7d766da-9176-4ce4-9eb2-81a7a113feb7","title":"Assuming the Best","url":"https://ingoodwetrust.fireside.fm/1","content_text":"What do we talk about when we talk about goodness? The fact is, we’ve been talking about it for centuries, trying to dial it in for ourselves both what it is and how it is all along the way. \n\nWelcome to the first episode of In Good We Trust. My name is Hugh Taft-Morales speaking to you from the Philadelphia Ethical Society, a place where we try to build meaning, offer community, and nurture goodness. ","content_html":"What do we talk about when we talk about goodness? The fact is, we’ve been talking about it for centuries, trying to dial it in for ourselves both what it is and how it is all along the way.
\n\nWelcome to the first episode of In Good We Trust. My name is Hugh Taft-Morales speaking to you from the Philadelphia Ethical Society, a place where we try to build meaning, offer community, and nurture goodness.
","summary":"Welcome to the first episode of In Good We Trust. ","date_published":"2023-10-06T11:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/c290d51e-14fb-4841-81d3-8a6fe059239c/c7d766da-9176-4ce4-9eb2-81a7a113feb7.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":13606996,"duration_in_seconds":425}]},{"id":"9ade2014-8b8e-4d79-a8b2-0f4d0ef4a84a","title":"Coming Soon: In Good We Trust","url":"https://ingoodwetrust.fireside.fm/trailer","content_text":"What does it mean to be good? How do we be good not just for ourselves, but for others, too? These are the questions at the heart of Ethical Humanism, a non-theistic movement that’s been around since 1876, but is more relevant today as ever. Hosted by Hugh Taft-Morales, an Ethical Humanist Leader in Baltimore and Philadelphia, In Good We Trust is an exploration of being good, being human, and trying to do both at the same time. \n\nIt’s a great podcast to listen to if you’re into being human.\n\nIn Good We Trust is brought to you by the Philadelphia Ethical Society, and is available soon wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple and Spotify. \n\nFor more information on the Philadelphia Ethical Society, visit phillyethics.org.","content_html":"What does it mean to be good? How do we be good not just for ourselves, but for others, too? These are the questions at the heart of Ethical Humanism, a non-theistic movement that’s been around since 1876, but is more relevant today as ever. Hosted by Hugh Taft-Morales, an Ethical Humanist Leader in Baltimore and Philadelphia, In Good We Trust is an exploration of being good, being human, and trying to do both at the same time.
\n\nIt’s a great podcast to listen to if you’re into being human.
\n\nIn Good We Trust is brought to you by the Philadelphia Ethical Society, and is available soon wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple and Spotify.
\n\nFor more information on the Philadelphia Ethical Society, visit phillyethics.org.
","summary":"It’s a great podcast to listen to if you’re into being human.","date_published":"2023-10-02T15:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/c290d51e-14fb-4841-81d3-8a6fe059239c/9ade2014-8b8e-4d79-a8b2-0f4d0ef4a84a.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":1860671,"duration_in_seconds":58}]}]}