America's most intellectual city.
Discover carefully curated public lectures, author talks, debates and intellectual events in Boston, USA — selected by The Mindful City editorial team.
Last updated: September 24, 2026
Anne Applebaum; Yascha Mounk (debate) · Brattle Theatre · September 25, 2026
Journalist Anne Applebaum and political theorist Yascha Mounk debate the major threats and resilience strategies for liberal democracy in the 21st century. The session includes aud…
Yuval Noah Harari · MIT (Kresge Auditorium) · September 25, 2026
Historian Yuval Noah Harari explores the philosophical and societal implications of artificial intelligence, from economic disruption to ethical frameworks. He will draw on history…
Elizabeth Kolbert; David Wallace-Wells · Brattle Theatre · September 25, 2026
Two leading climate journalists discuss strategies for communicating urgency without despair and how storytelling shapes policy. A moderated Q&A will follow the conversation; ticke…
Steven Pinker · Harvard University - Sanders Theatre · September 25, 2026
Psychologist and author Steven Pinker presents evidence on long-term trends in human well-being and responds to recent critiques of Enlightenment-era narratives. A moderated Q&A wi…
Michael Pollan · Brattle Theatre · September 25, 2026
Michael Pollan discusses his latest book exploring agriculture, sustainability, and the relationship between food systems and public health. The program includes a conversation wit…
Paul Krugman · Harvard University · September 25, 2026
Nobel laureate Paul Krugman analyzes recent global economic shocks and the policy tools available to respond to crises. He will address tradeoffs in fiscal and monetary policy and …
Rebecca Solnit · Porter Square Books · September 25, 2026
Writer and activist Rebecca Solnit offers reflections on hope, activism, and storytelling in the face of ecological crisis. The event will include readings and a moderated audience…
Elizabeth Kolbert · Boston Public Library - Central Library Copley Square · September 27, 2026
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Elizabeth Kolbert presents new reporting on climate impacts, biodiversity loss, and possible policy responses. The session includes a reading and …
Margaret Atwood · Harvard University - Sanders Theatre · September 28, 2026
Pulitzer Prize–winning author Margaret Atwood reads selections from her latest book and reflects on speculative fiction as a tool for social critique. The event includes a conversa…
Rebecca Solnit · Brookline Booksmith · September 28, 2026
Essayist Rebecca Solnit reads from her new collection exploring hope, climate action, and forms of quiet resistance. The event includes a moderated conversation and a booksigning.
Atul Gawande · Harvard University - Sanders Theatre · September 28, 2026
Surgeon and writer Atul Gawande explores systemic approaches to improving public health delivery and patient outcomes. The lecture will be followed by a campus discussion on transl…
Ta-Nehisi Coates · Harvard Book Store · September 28, 2026
Ta-Nehisi Coates reads from his forthcoming book and joins a moderated conversation about history, race, and American identity. The event includes a short audience Q&A and a signin…
Rebecca Solnit · Brookline Booksmith · September 28, 2026
Essayist Rebecca Solnit reads from her new collection and considers activism, resilience, and the cultural forces that shape social movements. The event will conclude with a modera…
Ta-Nehisi Coates · Harvard Book Store · September 28, 2026
Acclaimed author Ta-Nehisi Coates reads from his new book and discusses the role of memory in shaping public life. The evening will include a moderated conversation and audience Q&…
David Remnick · Harvard Book Store · September 28, 2026
David Remnick discusses the craft and ethics of long-form journalism in a rapidly changing media environment. He will read from his new essays and take audience questions on report…
Atul Gawande · Boston Public Library — Central Library (Copley) · September 28, 2026
Surgeon and public-health researcher Atul Gawande discusses surgical safety, medical innovation, and how institutions can improve outcomes. The lecture is followed by an audience Q…
Ibram X. Kendi · Boston Public Library · September 28, 2026
Ibram X. Kendi offers an updated public lecture on antiracist policy, pedagogy, and practice in local communities. The program is designed for a broad audience and includes a moder…
Atul Gawande · Boston Public Library — Central Library, Copley Square · September 28, 2026
Surgeon and author Atul Gawande explores how medicine confronts aging and end-of-life decisions in contemporary healthcare. The program includes a moderated Q&A and resources for c…
Elizabeth Kolbert · Boston Public Library (Central Library) · September 28, 2026
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Elizabeth Kolbert examines the most urgent climate challenges facing the coming decade and the policy choices they require. She will outline recen…
Fareed Zakaria · Harvard University - Kennedy School · September 28, 2026
Journalist and geopolitical analyst Fareed Zakaria offers a public lecture on major international trends shaping the coming year and their implications for U.S. policy. The lecture…