The Ultimate Introduction to Philosophy as a Way of Life

When I founded Curious Soul in 2015, it was to rejuvenate the ancient tradition of philosophy as a way of life.  It seemed to me that philosophy had become strangely contained to college classrooms, reserved for 18-21 year old students paying top dollar for a degree, and frankly had become overly theoretical and jargony. It had lost its connection to everyday life. It had lost its character as a life-long journey of questioning and experimentation.  It had become, instead, a special science, a major, a career for the few.  To tell the truth, philosophy seemed more important to me than that. I still wanted to figure out how to live. That's what philosophy was for!

It is with great anticipation that I look forward to Curious Soul's ultimate introduction to philosophy as a way of life. This is the place to start your philosophical journey!  And if you've already started, this is the place to revitalize your philosophical purpose!  Beginning in April, we will embark on a  four-workshop series that takes us back to the beginning of the Western philosophical tradition to study the ancient Greeks, who aimed not just to think philosophically, but to live philosophically.  Join us to learn how founders of the philosophical tradition -- Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and the Stoics -- lived the examined life, endeavored to limit human suffering, and sought to develop happiness.  Our workshops will not only focus on reading and discussing classic texts, but also the application of ancient wisdom for modern life. Learn the key practices of the philosophical life, such as questioning values, engaging in fruitful dialogue, coordinating reason and passion, developing healthy habits, and overcoming anxiety.

Each workshop is three consecutive Saturday afternoons, from 2-4 pm, in Southeast Portland, Oregon. Our first workshop on "Socrates: Living the Examined Life" begins April 15th, 2017. See our workshop webpage to learn more and to register!