Lester Brown, environmental expert and author of Plan B 3.0:Mobilizing to Save Civilization, will speak at the Museum of American History on Thursday.

DCist’s guide to lectures and discussions in the D.C. area

This week features a number of earthy discussions as well as some artsy talks on the Depression’s Public Works of Art Project and that crazy Campbell soup can guy (Warhol).

Tuesday:
>> Tonight at 6:30 p.m., the National Press Club presents WaPo journalist David Ignatius and his new thriller The Increment.

>> At 7 p.m., the American Art Museum is holding a lecture suited towards lovers of public art as well those just looking for ways that America can be pulled up by its bootstraps. At Coaxing the Soul of America Back to Life, historian Roger G. Kennedy “examines the role of art during the Great depression and how the Public Works of Art Project may have helped rescue the soul of America.”

>> Also at 7 p.m., Politics and Prose hosts author Robert Wright. His book The Evolution Of God “examines Judaism, Christianity, and Islam through the lenses of archeology and evolutionary psychology, as well as theology. He concludes that there is scientific legitimacy to the spiritual quest, and he sees humanity moving toward an era of spiritual harmony.”

>> The 14th Street Busboys is celebrating “two generations of poetry and activism in Southern Africa” at 6 p.m. tonight with poets Dennis Brutus, Comrade Fatso and others.

Wednesday:
>> The Corcoran is celebrating the recent opening of their newest exhibit, William Eggleston: Democratic Camera, Photographs and Video, 1961-2008, with An Intimate Portrait of an Artist at 7 p.m. tonight. Eggleston will discuss his life’s work with Michael Almereyda, the director and producer of a documentary on the artist. $25.

Thursday:
>> Learn about the best summer wines to accompany your barbecues and weekends at the beach from wine educator Kelly Magyarics at the National Museum of Natural History’s Atrium Cafe tonight from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. $50 with tastings.

>> Or, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., head to the Carmichael Auditorium of the American History Museum for Portrait of Invention: A Conversation with Lester Brown. Called “the guru of the environmental movement,” Brown is the president of the Earth Policy Institute and will be discussing the sustainability of civilization. Doors open at 7 p.m.