Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Sparky Archives

The archived menu below is categorised alphabetically by topic or subject. There are many articles, curated videos, and selected posts from various sources. Find your topic of interest and the category page will show you a selection of videos, posts and articles that suit.

In recent years, the eminent British philosopher A.C. Grayling has been a respectful and emphatic voice within the New Atheist movement. During his distinguished career, he’s celebrated ideals of human rationality and progress, arguing for humanism as a powerful, practical alternative to religion. The author of more than 30 books, including What Is Good?, The God Argument and The Age of Genius, Grayling has articulated these values with academic rigour and eloquence. In this talk, Grayling defines humanism and outlines its roots in the philosophy of classical antiquity. He’ll make a case for a universal ethics – one that honours human individuality, freedom and dignity – that can overcome the shortcomings and restrictions of organised religion. Part lecture, part discussion (with Krystal Evans) – spend an hour with this exceptional philosopher for an invigorating perspective on what it means to be human, and humanist.

Streams of Conciousness

The ‘live’ statistics below show the consequences of ‘too much and too soon’ approaches to civilisation. We bear witness to the acceleration and limitations of humanity’s misuse of Mother Earth’s resources, while ignoring those limitations that are self evident. If we don’t slow down, reset and revise our past achievements and values, we will not be able to bear the burden of what’s to come.  

Sparky


Judge not each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you sow.

Robert Louis Stevenson