10 events in Boston this month that will make you smarter
Because even the brightest Harvard professor can learn something new.
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Boston is bursting at the seams with intellect. With over 40 colleges and universities in the area—including two of the world’s most prestigious—Greater Boston is a haven for some of the brightest historians, programmers, doctors, writers, biologists, and engineers in the world.
With so many brilliant minds forming and firming in its vicinity, Bostonians—regardless of age, income, and education level—have an overwhelming (and unique) opportunity to learn via lectures, workshops, and events. It’s one of the best things about our city.
The goal of this list is to trim down the seemingly endless cognitive possibilities Boston offers into a manageable itinerary for the curious mind. Here are 10 events in the month of June that will make you brighter.
Harvard Medical School: Whose Fault is Obesity?
Faculty from Harvard Medical School and other experts in obesity medicine from around the country will lead a discussion about the complexities of obesity and an assessment of its causes and effective treatment. (Wednesday, June 1, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Marriott Long Wharf Hotel, Harbor View Ballroom; free; all-ages).
Navigating the Quarter-Life Crisis
When exactly do you become a grownup? Is it when you chart a new path, changing jobs or cities? Is it figuring out what makes you happy, and prioritizing it? This goal-setting workshop helps you consider these crucial questions and to start planning your future. (Thursday, June 2, 6:00-8:30 p.m.; Society of Grownups; $10; all-ages)
Boston’s Construction of Self
What makes Boston Boston? How did the identity of the city come to be? At one point, Boston was considered a haven for Puritans. Now, the stereotypical view of “the average Bostonian” might skew blue-collar and Irish. This 90-minute tour from Boston on Foot revisits places and events that shaped the city’s current identity. (Thursday, June 2, 6:00-7:30 p.m.; Massachusetts State House; $15 GA / $5 for Boston by Foot members; all-ages.)
Beyond the Telescope at the Museum of Science
Join Harvard astrophysicist Matthew Holman at the Museum of Science as he explores some of the many thrilling things we are still learning about our solar system. The material should be approachable enough for middle schoolers to understand, while offering lots of new information for adults as well. (Thursday, June 2, 7:00-9:00 p.m.; Hayden Planetarium, Museum of Science; free; recommended for grade 5 and up)
Discussing the Future of Medicare
Over 10,000 Americans turn 65 every single day, yet the future of social safety nets like Medicaid and Medicare are in doubt. Health care, advocacy, economics and aging experts will discuss the challenges facing the retired—or soon-to-be-retired—and explore ways their needs could potentially be met. Complimentary breakfast and lunch will be available. (Tuesday, June 7, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Omni Parker House; free; all-ages)
Chuck Klosterman at the Brattle Theater
Though we often look back in history and marvel at what our predecessors got wrong about science, politics, and human rights, we rarely stop and consider what future generations will think of our widely held beliefs. Author Chuck Klosterman explores this idea in his new book, But What If We’re Wrong?, and will be available for questions and a book signing. (Thursday, June 9, 6:00 p.m.; Brattle Theater; $5; all-ages)
The Annotated Lincoln at Harvard Coop
Lincoln is considered one of our greatest presidents, partly because few commanders-in-chief faced the challenges he did. The 16th POTUS was also a gifted writer, and parsing his works offers new insight into his mindset while he attempted to preserve the union. Thomas A. Horrocks, author of The Annotated Lincoln, will be on hand for a discussion and book signing. (Thursday, June 9, 7 p.m.; The Harvard Coop; free; all-ages)
Doing More in Work and Life at Cambridge Workbar
France recently passed a law giving workers the right to ignore emails after work hours. Needless to say, such a law doesn’t exist in the U.S. If your work and home life seem impossible to balance, the experts at Workbar want to help you deal with the permeability of the work/life boundary. (Thursday, June 9, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Workbar Cambridge; free; all-ages)
Whale Fertility and Ocean Health at the New England Aquarium
Since the 1990s, the number of right whales born in the North Atlantic Ocean has declined, down to one calf in 2000. Scientists estimate there are only 50 right whales left in the region. Rosalind M. Rolland, the New England Aquarium’s Director of Ocean Health and Senior Scientist, will discuss her efforts to understand and elevate the birth rate of these critically endangered creatures. (Thursday, June 9, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; New England Aquarium free; all-ages)
Olympics or Bust at WGBH
The Boston Globe
’s Shira Springer talks about covering the Olympics and what to look for at the 2016 Games, while Special Olympics Vice President Nick Savarese discusses how sports unite communities in the latest edition of WGBH’s Happy Hour. (Thursday, June 16, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.; WGBH Studios; $10 admission, $5 beer/wine; 21+)
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