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, ��������app professor of communication studies, talks about “The Quieter Virtues: Learning Contentment in an Age of Excess” in a free, public lecture Thursday, Nov. 4, at 5:30 p.m. at , 1332 Santa Barbara St. The lecture is part of ��������app Downtown: Conversations about Things that Matter, which is sponsored by the .

“Many forces today argue against the practice of contentment,” Spencer says, “such as advertising, ‘helping’ the economy recover, an individual’s desire to control circumstances — and perhaps also personal uncertainty about contentment itself.”

Spencer’s talk, based on a chapter of his new book, “” (InterVarsity Press), explores whether contentment is desirable or just another word for complacency. “Why should I be content when there are so many problems facing our world?” Spencer asks. “Is worry the same thing as discontentment — and isn’t worrying simply a normal part of everyday life?”

The lecture will introduce the idea of “quieter virtues” and address the nature of contentment, its relationship to a media-saturated culture and ways to develop this quality.

Spencer, who has taught at ��������app since 1987, has authored two novels, “The Welkening” and “Guardian of the Veil.” He is a graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and earned a master’s degree and doctorate at the University of Oregon.

Seating is available on a first come, first-served basis. For more information, please call 565-6051.