
What weâre about
In ancient Greece, the Agora was a place where people gathered to exchange ideas, host performances, and engage with their community. Inspired by this tradition, our group is a space for thoughtful conversation, shared experiences, and intellectual adventure.
Whether we're discussing philosophy, cooking a meal together, exploring museums, or traveling to new places, Agora is about connectionâwith each other and with the world around us. This is a community powered by the people who show up, and everyone's voice helps shape what we create together. If you enjoy deep conversations, meaningful experiences, and the company of inquisitive minds, join us as we create our own modern-day Agora.
Agora isn't just another discussion to join or event to attendâit's an invitation to explore what might be possible for ourselves and the world around us.
REQUIREMENTS
No credentials are neededâjust a willingness to share your experiences and ideas and to learn from others. This means listening respectfully even when you disagree, and being mindful not to dominate the conversation. Our goal is to create a supportive, engaging environment where everyone feels heard.
NOTE ON ATTENDANCE
If you need to cancel, please do so as soon as possible to be respectful of the organizer and others who wish to participate. Repeated cancellations or no-shows may result in being moved to the waitlist for future events, with attendance depending on whether spots open up. If you're on the waitlist, keep an eye outâspaces may become available at the last minute!
FEEDBACK
All feedback is welcome, and the organizer checks messages regularly. Agora belongs to its participants as much as it does to the organizer, and the goal is for it to grow into something shaped and co-created by its regular members. If you enjoy your experience and feel inspired, weâd love for you to take part in shaping future eventsâwhether thatâs hosting a discussion, organizing a hike, cooking a meal together, planning a trip, or bringing new ideas to the table. If you have something to offer or would like to get involved, please donât hesitate to reach out.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- On ControlHome, Prague
All of us desire something--more money, a perfect body, the admiration or validation of others. Yet these desires often go unmet or, worse, the very things we seek most to avoid happen instead. Even when we do get what we want, the satisfaction they bring often fades quickly, leaving us wanting more. And still, we usually continue to stake our happiness on getting the things we want and avoiding those we don't want, no matter what pain or disappointment it brings. Is there anything we can desire that could provide lasting happiness?
In this session, we'll explore the central concept of Stoicism from which every other detail of the philosophy unfolds: the dichotomy of control. It makes two simple assertions: first, that some things lie within our control while others do not; and second, that we ought to focus our time, energy, and resources on what lies within our control. We'll use this idea to investigate what, if anything, is truly worthy of our desires.
Join us for the first in a series of conversations designed to explore how philosophy can move beyond abstract theories and intellectual banter in order to become a powerful force that we can harness to shape and transform our lives.
Resources:
-A few focused quotes from Stoic authors relevant to the dichotomy of control.
-Short video breaking down Epictetus's approach to philosophy.***
Though it's highly encouraged to arrive close to 18:30 in order to have more casual conversation before we jump into the discussion, the actual conversation won't begin until around 7:15. Please arrive by 7:15 as not to distract from the flow of the conversation, but if you must arrive later than please be considerate as you enter.A note on attendance: If you need to cancel, please do so more than a few days before and change your attendance status before the day of to be considerate both of the host's effort and also others who would liek to attend. Repeated last minute cancelations or no-shows will result in your being placed in the waiting list for future events.
- Sunday Reading Circle: the Apology of SocratesHome, Prague
In this series of meetings, we'll come together to read and discuss some of the greatest texts and essays from the fields of Philosophy, Politics, and Economics: from the Nobel laureates, famous philosophers, both ancient and modern, and influential political theorists.
No academic background is required! Anyone is welcome â as long as you've read the text in advance ;)
All texts will be short (10-20 pages max) and easy to find upon a quick Google search. I will also make sure to share the direct links in advance.
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This time we will read the Apology of Socrates by Plato, one of the foundational texts of Western philosophy. It is the most detailed account of Socratesâ trial in 399 BCE, where he was charged with impiety and corrupting the youth of Athens.
In the dialogue, Socrates famously declares that 'the unexamined life is not worth living', cementing philosophy as an existential pursuit, and insists that truth and justice matter more than popularity or persuasion. Plato portrays Socrates as a new type of intellectual hero â someone willing to die for philosophy and truth rather than compromise his principles.
Link:
https://www.platonicfoundation.org/translation/apology/~~~
Location: we will meet in cafes, parks, or one another's living rooms throughout the summer. Together, we will discuss the great theories and ideas; think, debate, contemplate, deliberate, and by our joint effort we will aim to get one step closer towards understanding of this world.
This time weâll meet at Justinâs home (BlahnĂkova 646/16). The names on the buzzer are âMcCandless, Everett, Mainous,â go up to the 5th floor and if the button in the elevator gives you trouble then just ride it up to the 4th floor.
Meeting structure: each session will begin with a brief summary of the key ideas from the reading, followed by open discussion.
Please read the text in advance, make highlights, and write down any thoughts or questions that you find especially interesting and compelling.
Knowledge Will Break the Chains of Slavery
Veritas Vos Liberabit â