What we’re about
P&G is more than just a group of people. It is a community. A community of philosophers, thinkers, book readers, paper readers, and folks that ask the foundational questions. What is the meaning of life? How do we know what we know? What makes us human? These are some of the questions that P&G members explore together through lively discussions and debates. But P&G is not only about intellectual pursuits. It is also a community of thoughtful people coming together to hike, and hangout. Whether it's enjoying the beauty of nature, sharing a meal, or playing games, P&G members bond over their common interests and values. P&G is a community where you can find friends who challenge you to grow and support you along the way.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- ONLINE / ENGLISH: How to Think Like a Roman EmperorLink visible for attendees
## Details
This is our series on Donald Robertson’s book “How to Think Like a Roman Emperor”. We will learn about the life of Marcus Aurelius and his philosophy practice. As usual on Friday nights, we will cover the book in-depth; see schedule below.
SCHEDULE
8-08-2025 Chap. 1
8-15-2025 Chap. 1 continued
8-22-2025 Chap. 2
8-29-2025 Chap. 2 continued
9-05-2025 Chap. 3
9-12-2025 Chap. 3 continued
9-19-2025 Chap. 4
9-26-2025 Chap. 4 continued
10-03-2025 Chap. 5
10-10-2025 Chap. 5 continued
10-17-2025 Chap. 6
10-24-2025 Chap. 6 continued
10-31-2025 Chap. 7
11-07-2025 Chap. 7 continued
11-14-2025 Chap. 8 (just 1 part)
11-21-2025 Finale
READING MATERIALS
The book is available on Amazon and other booksellers. Various formats are available: audio, paperback, Kindle. Reading in advance is optional; StoicDan will collect highlights from each part of the book in an outline for the meeting.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F9YYR62
Time
Meeting time (USA):
7:00PM Eastern
6:00PM Central
5:00PM Mountain
4:00PM Pacific
For our international friends,
Please convert time with the free tool
https://www.worldtimebuddy.com/
Zoom Info
CLICK TO START MEETING - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86559843870
If you don't have a computer with camera or mic, then you can attend by telephone. Dial one of these numbers and add meeting ID 865 5984 3870#
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US
+1 301 715 8592 US
In general, Stoicism teaches us how to handle difficult people and events, how to avoid anger and worry, and overall to use moderation in life. We will discuss how Stoic practice can lead to a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Our group enjoys open-minded, respectful conversations on Stoicism and how it relates to science, culture, philosophy, history, other belief systems, and pop culture (books and movies). If we differ in our opinions, then "we agree to disagree". The long-term goal is to improve our minds via group discussions. Our group does NOT discuss religion or politics.
This event is free and open to the public.
Events inPhilosophyPsychology
Self-Help & Self-ImprovementMarcus AureliusStoicism - The Queen Mother and the Persian Empire's Trinity.Link visible for attendees
EXISTENTIALIST MEETUP - Melbourne, Australia.
Our monthly online series on the History of Religion.
The presentations are followed by questions, comments and discussion.
All viewpoints are welcome.Early Religion: An Alternative History
What do the historians and archaeologists think of the veracity of religious legends? Legends are an amalgamation of history and mythology. But how much of each?The Persian Empire (549-330 BC) had swallowed Babylon (539 BC) and Egypt (525 BC). The culture and religions of those ancient civilisations influenced the Empire.
During the reign of Artaxerxes II (404-358 BC) major changes occurred in the Empire's Zoroastrian religion. Temple-worship commenced, and a Trinity was formed: The Holy Family - Mazda the Father, Anahita the Mother and Mithra the Son.
Were those changes provoked by the Queen Mother, Parysatis, who worshipped the Babylonian Goddess, Ishtar?And what about the Zurvanite 'heresy'? Zurvan (Time, Infinity, Eternity) has similarities with the Hindu concept of Brahma (Father of the gods; a god beyond the gods).
We will be looking at A History of Zoroastrianism Vol.2 by Mary Boyce, Emeritus Professor of Iranian Studies, University of London.
David Miller will present the topic and lead the discussion.
Background information for those interested:
Wikipedia's entry on Artaxerxes II(A question we will deal with at a future date: - Was it the Egyptian or the Persian Trinity which influenced Christianity? Or both? And if so, why did the Christians neuter the Holy Mother into becoming the male Holy Ghost/Spirit?)
The Zoom link will appear for those who RSVP.
Meeting ID: 810 7493 7019 - - Passcode: 269351NOTE: The meeting commences at 9pm Friday in California.
Which is 2pm Saturday in Melbourne, Australia: AEST. GMT/UTC+10.Existentialist Society: Website - - - YouTube
Existentialist Society's online weekly Meetups - Why Jordan Peterson makes no senseLink visible for attendees
A critique of Jordan Peterson by Dara McGrath
Here is a video: Why Jordan Peterson makes no senseVideo at 2m 50s:
Did Cain and Raskolnikov exist? Peterson conflates two interpretations of the the word ‘exist’: the concrete physical and the metaphorical. This is important because it allows discussions that imply real world substance, and hence real world implications, to myths and fabrications, and thus blur the meanings in serious discussions, misleading the logical narrative. When a fundamentalist religious person makes moral and actionable claims based on the ‘reality’ of religious narrative serious social decisions can be made based on a false understanding of reality. This also allows Peterson purchase on both sides of an argument, seemingly advocating both religious and non-religious points of view: a demagogic tactic devised to increase audience base.Video at 13m 57s:
Sam Harris discusses ghosts and Peterson’s equivocation on the meaning of ghosts pointing out that Peterson substitutes different meanings for the convenience of his argument. His substitutions have an inherent plausibility but alter the case of an upcoming point of argument. This is intentionally deceptive and is a problem if we expect truth and understanding to have priority in a discussion.Video at 17m 12s:
Peterson self identifies as being both a Christian and a believer of the resurrection.Video at 19m 34s
Peterson asserts to an avowed atheist that this other person is in fact not an atheist.The bigger issues are how do we establish the integrity of our sources of information; how can we guarantee that general narratives align with truthful argument; and how do we reveal, explain, and correct intentionally misleading arguments that affect serious issues in the public domain.
