Nylander Memorial Humanities Speaker Series

With donations given in memory of James Nylander, long time educator and Ellensburg community member, the library begins its new speaker series with "Talking Nice: Erasmus and the Language of Peace and Civility." Speaker is Gregory Dodds, history professor at Walla Walla University. Refreshments will be served. Erasmus, the great Dutch humanist, was deeply disturbed by the animosity that characterized public discourse and debate in early 16th-century Europe. Does discourse and debate result in polarization, fear and violence? Or, is it possible to engage in critical thinking and still maintain civility? How can we achieve peace, unity, moderation and tolerance in a world where only the loudest voices are heard? Learn more about Erasmus? worldview and his approach to these questions. Maybe there is a historical thread that will give us insight to today?s issues.