What we’re about
Truthseeking, Impact and the Human/Personal Focus: the major motivations of the Rationality Community.
“How can I improve my thinking and make better decisions with the information I have?”
“How can I get better at changing my mind when I’ve realized I’m wrong?”
“How can I recognize the difficulty of singlehandedly changing the world, while still working to change it within my capacity?”
“How can I feel more satisfied and fulfilled?”
Rationalism is a set of mental tools to help answer questions like these, and move towards being a more optimized version of yourself. However, we don’t spend most of our time discussing rationalism itself, but rather using it as a tool to discuss other things more effectively.
No specific knowledge is needed to join and participate, we’ll be happy to give an introduction to anything esoteric we might be talking about. Many people here are interested in topics such as: computer science, artificial intelligence, anti-aging research, animal welfare, epidemiology/virology, energy policy, and assessing the most effective charities.
Blogs and sites a lot of us follow include: LessWrong, Slate Star Codex/Astral Codex Ten (SSC/ACX), Machine Intelligence Research Institute (MIRI), Center for Applied Rationality (CFAR), GiveWell, and 80,000 Hours.
Here are some links to keep in contact with the community and notifications of future events:
Seattle Rationality: https://linktr.ee/seattle_rationalty
Seattle Effective Altruism: https://linktr.ee/seattle_effective_altruists
EA Discord: https://discord.gg/t2vzwbGSRr
If you have ideas on events you would want to host or help host, please seek out any of the admins, moderators or event organizers to get access to post on the respective channels.
Upcoming events
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Seattle Secular Solstice
Hotel Nexus, 2140 N Northgate Way, Seattle, WA, USOn the longest night of the year, we gather to remember what we've built.
This year's Seattle Secular Solstice explores the theme of Progress: how far we've come, and how far we have yet to go. Through readings, speeches, and song, we'll trace humanity's journey from the first fires to the frontiers we haven't yet reached. We'll celebrate the scientists, engineers, inventors, and founders who refused to accept the world as they found it. And we'll renew our commitment to the grand project of building a future worth living in.
## What is Secular Solstice?
Secular Solstice is a rationalist community tradition marking the winter solstice—the longest night of the year. It's structured as a ceremony that moves from light into darkness and back again, mirroring both the astronomical event and the human experience of struggle and triumph.
We acknowledge the darkness: the losses we've suffered, the problems we haven't solved, the tragedies that still occur. We sit together in a moment of silence, confronting the reality of a universe that does not care about us.
And then we kindle the light again. We celebrate what we've achieved, we honor those who built the world we inherited, and we commit ourselves to continuing their work.
It's part concert, part ritual, part philosophical reflection. There's music (both participatory and performed), there are readings that range from somber to stirring, and there's a shared experience of moving through grief and into hope together. If you've ever wanted to feel the weight of humanity's challenges and the strength of our response in a single evening, this is that experience.
## What to Expect
The event runs approximately 3 hours, moving through distinct sections that mirror the progression from light through darkness and back to dawn. You'll hear original compositions and adaptations of traditional songs. You'll hear speeches about what we've lost and what we've built. And in the moment of darkness, you'll sit in complete silence with a room full of people who understand what it means to confront an indifferent universe and choose to build anyway.
This year's theme of Progress means we'll be paying special attention to human achievement: the technologies that transformed our lives, the ideas that expanded our possibilities, the individuals who looked at impossible problems and solved them. We'll also look forward to the work that remains: the diseases we haven't cured, the energy we haven't harnessed, the worlds we haven't reached.
No prior Solstice experience necessary. Whether you're a regular attendee or this is your first time, you're welcome.
## Logistics
When: Saturday, December 20th, 2025, 5:00-9:00 PM
Where: Nexus Hotel, Seattle (Northgate)
Tickets: Ticket Tailor
Afterparty: 9:00PM+ at the Safehouse, a rationalist group house in Northgate
Ticket Pricing:
- Standard ($20): Covers venue, materials, and event costs
- Supporter ($40): Pay a bit extra to help make the event accessible to everyone
- Patron ($100): Support the event and help us invest in an amazing experience
- Accessible (FREE): For those facing financial hardship or for whom standard pricing is a barrier. No questions asked. We want you here.
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