Our Values
We believe in examining values!
We believe in taking an undogmatic approach to questions of how we should live and what is most important in this life. We believe in questioning popular opinions and habits that we often follow without much thought. We believe in considering alternatives and evaluating their meaning and worth.
We believe in accessibility and practicality!
We believe in making philosophy as accessible as possible, using straight-forward language, and keeping ideas connected to real-world problems that spring up in our individual and social lives. We do not approach philosophy as a narrow intellectual exercise for the initiated few. We approach philosophy as a way of life for all those who want to examine themselves and their world critically, and creatively put new insights into practice.
We believe in books!
The paper kind that you hold in your hand and mark up with your pencil and highlighter. Books have the power to expose us to new worlds and change our minds, hearts, and behaviors. In the age of the tweet, we believe it takes more than 140 characters and a few seconds to articulate ideas fully, to explain oneself, and to build common understanding with another human being. We are ready and willing readers.
We believe in conversation!
The face-to-face kind, where we look each other in the eye. Conversation offers us an opportunity to explore different perspectives, to learn how to listen, and to think through the strengths and weaknesses of different arguments with partners who have varying experiences. Conversation builds a community of truth-seekers who care about improving their lives. In the age of social media and anonymous online debate, talking in person offers a rare opportunity to participate in civil discourse.
We believe in experimentation!
We believe that questioning, reading, and talking lead to action. We believe in experimenting with new ideas that inspire us and putting them into practice. We believe that theory and practice are closely connected, and that coordinating speech and deed is essential for a coherent philosophy of life.
We believe in the self-directed life!
We believe that thoughtfully deciding upon and designing a future life-path activates our capacities for freedom and creativity, which are crucial dimensions of our humanity. We believe that developing a regular practice of intentional choice is a key contributor to human fulfillment.
We believe in the power of process!
We believe that grappling with ideas, intentions, choices, and actions is an open ended process. We find great value in the adventure of everyday learning and growth.
We believe in taking an undogmatic approach to questions of how we should live and what is most important in this life. We believe in questioning popular opinions and habits that we often follow without much thought. We believe in considering alternatives and evaluating their meaning and worth.
We believe in accessibility and practicality!
We believe in making philosophy as accessible as possible, using straight-forward language, and keeping ideas connected to real-world problems that spring up in our individual and social lives. We do not approach philosophy as a narrow intellectual exercise for the initiated few. We approach philosophy as a way of life for all those who want to examine themselves and their world critically, and creatively put new insights into practice.
We believe in books!
The paper kind that you hold in your hand and mark up with your pencil and highlighter. Books have the power to expose us to new worlds and change our minds, hearts, and behaviors. In the age of the tweet, we believe it takes more than 140 characters and a few seconds to articulate ideas fully, to explain oneself, and to build common understanding with another human being. We are ready and willing readers.
We believe in conversation!
The face-to-face kind, where we look each other in the eye. Conversation offers us an opportunity to explore different perspectives, to learn how to listen, and to think through the strengths and weaknesses of different arguments with partners who have varying experiences. Conversation builds a community of truth-seekers who care about improving their lives. In the age of social media and anonymous online debate, talking in person offers a rare opportunity to participate in civil discourse.
We believe in experimentation!
We believe that questioning, reading, and talking lead to action. We believe in experimenting with new ideas that inspire us and putting them into practice. We believe that theory and practice are closely connected, and that coordinating speech and deed is essential for a coherent philosophy of life.
We believe in the self-directed life!
We believe that thoughtfully deciding upon and designing a future life-path activates our capacities for freedom and creativity, which are crucial dimensions of our humanity. We believe that developing a regular practice of intentional choice is a key contributor to human fulfillment.
We believe in the power of process!
We believe that grappling with ideas, intentions, choices, and actions is an open ended process. We find great value in the adventure of everyday learning and growth.
