A Remarkable Spiritual Journey

For five sessions, on the second and fourth Tuesdays each month beginning October 8 at 7:30 pm, we will explore the life and legacy of Robert Yuan, scientist, diplomat and professor. We will read and discuss his memoirs, A Journey Without Maps: DNA, Diplomacy, Teaching, Culture.

1. Oct 8: Chapter 1 "A Chinese Family" 
2. Oct 22: Chapter 2 "The Pursuit of Education"
3. Nov 12: Chapter 5 "Changing Course: A Diplomatic Legacy" 
4. Nov 26: Chapter 6 "Going Global"
5. Dec. 10: Chapters 7 "The Art of Teaching: A Journey Without Maps" and Chapter 8 "Thoughts on the Beautiful Country"

About the Book

A Journey Without Maps is the dynamic and inspiring memoir of a groundbreaking thinker and expansive traveler whose sustained belief in humanity has made the world a more connected place.

Born in Paris to Chinese diplomats in 1938, Robert Yuan grew up in Cuba, pursued higher education and research in the U.S., Western Europe, and Asia. His essential work in molecular biology contributed to the discovery of genetic sequencing and mapping and, eventually, genetic engineering.

In 1984, Yuan’s talent for travel and diplomacy landed him in the Foreign Service for several years. Following that, he specialized in the field of science education in the United States where he pioneered new approaches to teaching which prioritized diversity and globalization.

Yuan’s remarkable ability to immerse himself in different cultural environments, relate to all kinds of people (in all kinds of languages), and find joy in a fantastic variety of cultures and foods and experiences comes across vividly in this joyful narrative of a life well and productively lived.

About Our Small Groups

Our discussions are sparked by questions. They will be both personal and academic, involve personal experience as well as understanding, heart as well as head.

In all our small groups, we use Socratic dialogue to unravel hidden meanings and new understandings. We will share personal insights and experiences. Always, our discussions will be respectful, opening our minds and hearts to each other and perennial truths at the heart of the world's spiritual traditions.

We will meet on Zoom at 7:30 pm for about an hour and 15 minutes.  You will also be added to a discussion group on our website, hartsne.org, to discuss topics between sessions.

PLEASE NOTE:

• Groups are open to new members up until the first session.
• Registration is by donation on a sliding scale.
• The groups are limited to 15 people.
• We must have a minimum of five people to run a group.
• Friends of the Oratory may join groups for free if they register when signed into their accounts on this website.