Big Talk on the Intimacy Dilemma

Big Talk is the opposite of small talk.

Come and meet new people via deep meaningful dialogue.... Watch here for more info:
http://www.makebigtalk.com/

Format:
First half: 'Speed Big Talking'! 3 x 20minute random 1:2:1s with choice of deep and meaningful questions to encourage deep and meaningful dialogue!

Second Half: Small group discussions on meaning., specifically with reference to the following post from the Philosophy Break Academy (https://join.philosophybreak.com/c98ec13e/)

In his 1851 collection of short philosophical essays, Parerga and Paralipomena, the German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer reflects on a whole range of subjects, one of which is the oft-fraught nature of human connection and intimacy.

To illuminate his thoughts, Schopenhauer offers a parable involving a group of prickly porcupines. He writes:

"One cold winter’s day, a number of porcupines huddled together quite closely in order through their mutual warmth to prevent themselves from being frozen. But they soon felt the effect of their quills on one another, which made them again move apart."

The porcupines seek each other out for warmth, Schopenhauer tells us; but in becoming close, they scratch and prickle one another with their sharp spines, and draw apart in annoyance and pain.

## What do you make of Schopenhauer’s parable?

• Do you think the imagery of porcupines seeking to warm themselves aptly reflects the nature of human connection?
• Do you agree with Schopenhauer’s recommendation — i.e. that to avoid being annoyed by others, we should renounce sociability and find ways to enjoy our own company?
• Or do you think that occasional conflict is a necessary (perhaps indispensable) part of forming genuine connections, and that we can learn to live with (even love) each other’s prickliness? .

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Feel free to share or not share, as you like. I always try to encourage respectful, non-judgmental conversation regardless!