Ethical Culture Society of Silicon Valley

Intellectual integrity is another essential trait of Critical Thinking (CT), but what is it? The short CT definition: "Recognition of the need to be true to one's own thinking, to be consistent in the intellectual standards one applies, to hold one's self to the same rigorous standards of evidence and proof to which one holds [their] antagonists; to practice what one advocates for others,; and to honestly admit discrepancies and inconsistencies in one's own thought and action." (from Miniature Guide to CT, 2003)

How does that show up in your life? Do you talk about the climate crisis and drive a fossil fuel car? Do you think of yourself as a compassionate person and then feel irritation when seeing a homeless encampment? Do you look at only one side of an issue, because the other side can't possibly have any evidence for their stance? There is plenty to talk about!

Please join the discussion. Invite others! Bring your unique point of view and add to the discussion.

Link becomes visible when you RSVP. passcode is ethics.
Please be prepared to have your camera on during the meeting,

Our Coffee & Conversation sessions are informal, inclusive, supportive gatherings. We just talk about things that are on our minds, things that make for, or detract from, a fulfilling human life in the real world for ourselves and for other people. We listen to each other, share our thoughts, and enjoy the time together. Coffee, tea and goodies provided.

Join the conversation!

NOTICE this is in person!

Sadly, Grace Shelter has not reopened yet. Phil continues to seek funding to open. One month at a time right now. Sack lunches again this month!

The showers are now inside Grace and serve as a drop in location for people to pick up food and drinks. That's where we are helping out.

We will again make PB&J sandwiches and assemble sack lunches, including snack foods (individually wrapped), drinks, and fruit that the staff can hand out beginning Monday, December 4, and the rest of the week.

I know we are up for this because we have done this since June 2022, and it has been a lot of fun! We write personal notes to include with the lunches. We make 48 PB&J sandwiches. We fill lunch sacks with chips, snack mixes, food bars, apple sauce, raisins, bananas and oranges. When we are done, we gather with our own PB&J sandwiches and enjoy each other's company as we eat the same meal we had just packed in lunches for Grace, an act of solidarity.

Phil reported that our lunches were a big hit with Grace clients.

The plan: Gather at 12:00 noon PST Sunday, indoors or out, depending on the weather, to make PB&J sandwiches and pack sack lunches with everything but the sandwiches and fresh fruit, which will be refrigerated overnight. Monday, the lunches will be delivered to Phil at the Grace parking lot.

Who can help, one way or another? If you can join the sandwich making at 12:00, RSVP. We'll also assemble sack lunches then. If you can contribute something, RSVP and you will get details.

When the lunches for Grace are assembled, we will make sandwiches and sack lunches for ourselves and enjoy them and the company of each other. Please join us if you can.

As for the shower project, they still need men's shoes and pants and towels.

I look forward to seeing you Sunday as we continue to support Grace this way.

Even though the shelter is not open, Grace Solutions is still operating and serving their neighbors in need with programs and services. To support them, go to their website, gracesolutions.org and visit their donor page. Or send a check to Grace Solutions, Attn. Phil Mastrocola, 484 E San Fernando St, San Jose, CA 95112.

RSVP to get details for participating.