What kind of society do we want to become? Australia’s unprecedented run of economic growth has failed to deliver a more stable or harmonious society...

The School of Life presents Hugh Mackay On The Good Society

Location:

City CBD and Surrounds
2000 NSW
Australia

Featuring

Hugh Mackay

Hugh Mackay

social researcher and author

Hugh Mackay is Australia's leading social researcher, and the author of eighteen books — eleven in the field of social analysis and ethics, and seven novels. His recent books include The Good Life, The Art of Belonging and Beyond Belief. Hugh is a fellow of the Australian Psychological Society and has been awarded honorary doctorates by Charles Sturt, Macquarie, New South Wales, Wollongong, and Western Sydney universities. In 2015, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia.

Access and Inclusion

  • Wheelchair Accessible - Access to the venue is suitable for wheelchairs (toilets, ramps/lifts etc.) and designated wheelchair spaces are available.
  • Auslan Interpreted - Auslan interpreted events are for audiences who are Deaf and use Australian Sign Language (Auslan) as their primary means of communication. Experienced Auslan theatre interpreters stand to the side of the stage and translate what the speakers are saying or Auslan signing the text and dialogue live. Audiences requiring this service are seated in the section closest to the interpreter to ensure good sightlines.
  • Companion Card Acceptance - The Companion Card is for people with a significant permanent disability, who always need a companion to provide attendant care type support in order to participate at most available community venues and activities.

Event Details

What kind of society do we want to become? Australia’s unprecedented run of economic growth has failed to deliver a more stable or harmonious society. Like many Western societies, we are in the midst of a period of rampant individualism and materialism, becoming more self-absorbed, more competitive, more socially fragmented, more anxious, more depressed, more medicated, deeper in debt and increasingly addicted. How do we correct this course so we can head towards a more compassionate, less anxious future?

The School of Life proudly presents an evening with esteemed social researcher and bestselling author Hugh Mackay, as he draws on his 60-year research career to present a fearless and passionate vision for the kind of people and society we could become. Hugh invites us to consider the possibility that the clearest signs of the health of a society are to be found in the life of its local neighbourhoods and communities.

Throughout the evening, expect to be challenged to think differently about the power of our individual choices in shaping our society’s future. It's time to consider the role of compassion in addressing issues such as anxiety, cultural diversity, the digital and social media divide and economic inequality. What new ideas and insights will we share about how courage, wisdom and imagination can pave our way toward a more compassionate, less anxious society?

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Access and Inclusion

  • Wheelchair Accessible - Access to the venue is suitable for wheelchairs (toilets, ramps/lifts etc.) and designated wheelchair spaces are available.
  • Auslan Interpreted - Auslan interpreted events are for audiences who are Deaf and use Australian Sign Language (Auslan) as their primary means of communication. Experienced Auslan theatre interpreters stand to the side of the stage and translate what the speakers are saying or Auslan signing the text and dialogue live. Audiences requiring this service are seated in the section closest to the interpreter to ensure good sightlines.
  • Companion Card Acceptance - The Companion Card is for people with a significant permanent disability, who always need a companion to provide attendant care type support in order to participate at most available community venues and activities.