The NYC Experience

In philosophy this is called epistemology - The study of what constitutes knowledge, eg how can we know something is or is not true. I will reveal a high level overview of my perspective here: I don’t think we should believe we know anything with absolute certainty - To do us shuts us down to the possibility we may be wrong. We should learn things with a certainty level that its true. For example, that earth is an oblate spheroid and not flat, we can say with 99.9999% certainty, but let’s not call it 100%. Other things like whether time can flow backwards, we have much less certainty around because there isn’t a clear consensus on this alleged fact (FWIW, I think its inaccurate, I think time only moves in one direction).

A little about our host:
Garrett is a programmer turned award-winning software inventor turned entrepreneur (http://platerate.com/) is his company. His hobby is writing and discussing practical philosophy, and he does life coaching on request to help people live happy, moral lives. He is also the executive director of The Free Thinker Institute (http://freethinkerinstitute.org/), which aims to create a community that helps members increase happiness and decrease harm for themselves and those they can influence.

Format:
Lecture and discussion

Note:
social time for our community 15 minutes before the presentation.

To get familiar with our past events, feel free to check out our YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmixGB9GdrptyEWovEj80zg

After registering via zoom, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

We publish our event recordings on our Youtube channel to offer our help to anyone who would like to but can’t attend the meeting, so we need to give this clause. If you don’t want to be recorded, just remain on mute and keep your video off.

Here’s our legal notice:
For valuable consideration received, by joining this event I hereby grant Free Thinker Institute and its legal representatives and assigns, the irrevocable and unrestricted right to use and publish any and all Zoom recordings for trade, advertising and any other commercial purpose, and to alter the same without any restriction. I hereby release Free Thinker Institute and its legal representatives and assigns from all claims and liability related to said video recordings.

Come join us for a relaxed evening of food, drink, and meaningful conversation! Whether you're a regular or this is your first time, you’re welcome to come as you are. I usually unable to attend, but we still want everyone to feel welcome. Althea events always bring together thoughtful and interesting people—and we’d love to have you be part of that energy.

1st & 4th Fridays: 7:00PM-09:00PM
NYSEC Meeting House: Ceremonial Hall

All are welcome!

BYOB (no hard liquors)/Potluck
Donations Appreciated but Not Required
Donate Here via Ethical NYC to Support this Event
https://ethicalnyc.app.neoncrm.com/forms/54
+1 (212) 874-5210
info@nysec.org
https://ethical.nyc/
· Location is subject to change for special events. Check website calendars and Meetup pages for various groups for updates and changes.
· Default room is Ceremonial on the 4th Floor. Room is subject to change depending on capacity or activity. Check for any posted signs.
· Use the wheelchair ramp entrance at the Meeting House NOT the Fieldston School. Press both doorbells if the door is locked. The elevator and stairs are right there to take to the 4th floor.

Our friends at various groups are cross-posting this event. Some groups have after-parties.

RULES for In-Person Meeting:

1. GROUP PROMOTION: Each group may bring flyers or posters advertising membership, donations, and meetings.
2. DRINKING: Bring your own booze should be limited to beer and wine, no hard liquors. Everyone should drink responsibly and don't get sloshed. Save the hard drinking for the after parties in outside bars.
3. RESPECT FOR DIFFERENCES: While there is overlap among the groups, not every group is the same and thinks the same. Respect each other's differences and different ideologies. Look for common ground not for things to hate. We're all friends here, treat each other as such.
4. ARGUMENTS: Listen to each other’s opinion completely in good faith. Ask questions about other's points instead of immediately dismissing. Approach taboo subjects--such as sex, religion, and politics--with strangers cautiously; back out if getting heated. Agree to disagree and walk away if necessary.
5. RESPECT FOR THE MEETING HOUSE: Use appropriate trash/recycling cans and clean up after yourselves. Leave the Meeting House better than you found it. Respect the neighborhood, don't act foolishly on the streets when entering and leaving or loitering.
6. NO ELECTIONEERING: Due to tax restrictions for many groups being §501(c)(3) tax-exempt, do not discuss, promote, denigrate, or leave/display/hand out materials for any candidate, campaign, party, or proposition on any upcoming election. No electioneering during the event. Other activities prohibited by tax-restrictions are also not allowed.
7. SELF-RECOGNITION: Try to speak from your own experiences and own your intentions and impacts. Recognize your own privileges and different backgrounds.
8. CONFIDENTIALITY: Meetings are private despite being open to the public. Recordings are prohibited. You may share what you learned, but not direct quotes and identities.
9. MEETING MODERATION: The organizers, hosts, co-hosts, moderators, and discussion leaders will use various methods available to ensure compliance with the rules and maintain decorum.
   Attending any meeting or event implies agreement with the above rules.

Lets start 2026 with a strong foot by joining the accountability club and setting up our yearly goals for 2026.

Start the year with clarity, intention, and direction.

Most people rush into a new year with vague goals or pressure filled resolutions, only to lose momentum a few weeks in. Not because they lack discipline, but because they never slowed down enough to decide what truly matters to them.

This session is about doing it differently.

Goal setting isn’t just about writing a list. It’s about choosing where your energy goes, creating focus, and making intentional commitments to yourself. When goals are clear and shared, they stop living in your head and start becoming real.

In this session, we’ll help you step back, reflect, and deliberately map out what you want from 2026. You’ll define goals that feel aligned, realistic, and meaningful, not just impressive on paper.

Sharing your intentions with the group adds another powerful layer. Accountability turns ideas into action. When you say your goals out loud, you strengthen your commitment and build the confidence to follow through.

Whether your goals are big or small, personal or professional, they all matter. Progress comes from clarity, consistency, and support, not pressure or perfection.

Get clear on what you want

Set goals you can actually commit to

Start the year feeling grounded and motivated

If you want to begin 2026 with focus, momentum, and the support of people who are doing the same, this session is for you.

Personal Join Link

https://www.accountabilityclub.org/events/2026-goal-setting
After registration, check your email for your unique join link. This personal link will grant you direct access to the Zoom meeting.

Please note that this link could take up to 15 minutes to reach you. Please also check your spam folder.

Here’s what you can expect:

Share Your Wins:

Reflect on the goals you set last week and celebrate your achievements. Each member will have a chance to share their progress.

Set Goals:

Identify what’s next on your journey and commit to your objectives. Sharing your goals with the group ensures accountability and clarity.

Active Participation:

Everyone is encouraged (and expected) to contribute. This is a collaborative space where we all support and inspire each other.

Cameras On:

For a more connected and interactive experience, your camera should remain on throughout the session.
We look forward to having you join us for this focused and supportive session!

cameras remain on during this event and doors close 5 minutes after the start time so please arrive on time.

RSVP Policy:
We’re excited to see you at the event!
If your plans change, no worries—just update your RSVP.