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Horizon Institute asks the Question: What does it mean to be human? By Susan DeRosia Revels Editor At first blush, the question, "What does it mean to be human?" seems so simple and obvious that it doesn't seem to warrant much of a discussion. It's automatic for most of us. Something it's easy to just take for granted. Of course we know what it means. But for Horizon Institute Executive Director Richard Moeschl, it's exactly the question that opens the door to the most important exploration. As Socrates' said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." For Moeschl, the question of what being human means is the most archetypal, fundamental question, "because it determines your behavior. How you perceive humanity's place in the cosmos changes everything you do - by exploring specifically how it would be if you fully expressed your humanity." During the month of April in Ashland, Horizon Institute will be sponsoring its first annual community-wide exploration in Ashland entitled "On Being Human ..." The nonprofit cultural and educational organization is inviting people to join in exploring beyond the obvious: What does it mean to be human - to realize the fullness of our humanity? How would that affect our work, our play, our families, our communities, our world? How would the exploration affect for instance, how one would design a house, or teach, or govern, or simply care for our bodies? For Moeschl, "I think it makes a difference now, doing what we're doing without reasking the question, working with an unexamined assumption." He tells the story of a lecturer who came to speak to the Horizon Institute. "We had a physicist who was visiting us and he asked his students, what in your class has helped you to be a better person? It's a tricky question." While the Horizon Institute has a yearly public celebration built around being human, (this year it will be on November 8 at the Angus Bowmer Theatre) this month-long exploration is meant to be more of a private event. "The idea is simply for people to explore the question alone or with others, publicly or privately. Some people may chose to respond by creating a painting, a story, a dance, a poem or a song. Others may just have a conversation with friends." To give people ideas about places to start, Horizon Institute has organized a few events: Book and video ideas: Staff recommendations of books dealing with the "On Being Human ..." theme are being featured at Bloomsbury Books, The Bookwagon, Soundpeace Books, DJ's Video, Ashland Public Library and other locations. Art show: Nuwandart Gallery will display work related to the theme from April 17- 30. A slide show is scheduled for the show's opening night, entitled "Resonances," by Paul Hwoschinsky who will lead a discussion afterwards. Poetry readings Bloomsbury Books will feature nine local poets reading their own work and a piece by another poet on the theme at 7:30 p.m. April 22. People are invited to check out Horizon's Web site - www.thehorizon.org - and respond if they choose. Selections from the responses may be featured on Horizon's Web site and others may be included at the third annual "An Evening in Celebration of the Human Spirit," at 7 p.m. Saturday, November 8 at the Angus Bowmer Theatre. The banner which is being displayed over Main Street from April 7 to 14 announces the month-long community-wide exploration. While no formal event is planned, these activities during April are intended to encourage people to continue exploring the question at home, at school, at work and in their worship community. LINKS: REVELS: Main | Calendar | Dining | Movies | T.V. DAILY TIDINGS: Main | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Opinion | Columnists | AP News | Subscribe | Archives | Weather | Classifieds | Contact Us | Privacy Copyright 2003 Ashland Daily Tidings 541.482.3456. 1661 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR 97520. Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. - Advertisers -