New York Junto: Weekly Intellectual Discussion
Details
New York Junto: Weekly Intellectual Discussion
Join us for a weekly gathering inspired by Benjamin Franklin's Junto, founded in 1727 as a society for mutual improvement through thoughtful discussion, shared knowledge, and helping one another succeed.
Our goal is to expand our knowledge, develop wisdom and character, help one another succeed, and build meaningful, lasting friendships.
Meeting Schedule
Every Wednesday, 6:00–6:45 p.m. Eastern, online.
How Our Meetings Work
Our meetings follow Franklin's original 24 Standing Questions, covering knowledge, character, practical wisdom, relationships, mutual assistance, and service to society.
- The moderator reads the next question from Franklin's list.
- Members share relevant knowledge, experiences, observations, or ideas.
- Members discuss the responses respectfully, asking questions and exchanging insights.
- When the discussion concludes, the moderator proceeds to the next question.
- At the following meeting, we resume the list wherever we previously stopped.
Meeting Agenda
- 6:00–6:05: Welcome and introductions.
- 6:05–6:40: Discussion of Franklin's Standing Questions.
- 6:40–6:45: Closing reflections and next steps.
Preparation
Please review Franklin's 24 Standing Questions below before attending. Consider what useful knowledge, experiences, or observations you might contribute.
No special expertise or reading assignment is required. Members are welcome to participate whenever they have something meaningful to share.
Franklin's 24 Standing Questions (Modern English)
Have you read over these questions this morning, in order to consider what you might have to offer the Junto concerning any one of them?
1. Have you met with anything in the author you last read, remarkable, or suitable to be communicated to the Junto? Particularly in history, morality, poetry, medicine, travels, mechanic arts, or other parts of knowledge.
2. What new story have you lately heard agreeable for telling in conversation?
3. Has any citizen in your knowledge failed in his business lately, and what have you heard of the cause?
4. Have you lately heard of any citizen's thriving well, and by what means?
5. Have you lately heard how any present rich man, here or elsewhere, got his estate?
6. Do you know of any fellow citizen, who has lately done a worthy action, deserving praise and imitation? Or who has committed an error proper for us to be warned against and avoid?
7. What unhappy effects of intemperance have you lately observed or heard? Of imprudence? Of passion? Or of any other vice or folly?
8. What happy effects of temperance? Of prudence? Of moderation? Or of any other virtue?
9. Have you or any of your acquaintance been lately sick or wounded? If so, what remedies were used, and what were their effects?
10. Who do you know that are shortly going on voyages or journeys, if one should have occasion to send by them?
11. Do you think of anything at present, in which the Junto may be serviceable to mankind? To their country, to their friends, or to themselves?
12. Has any deserving stranger arrived in town since last meeting, that you heard of? And what have you heard or observed of his character or merits? And whether you think it lies in the power of the Junto to oblige him, or encourage him as he deserves?
13. Do you know of any deserving young beginner lately set up, whom it lies in the power of the Junto any way to encourage?
14. Have you lately observed any defect in the laws of your country, of which it would be proper to move the legislature for an amendment? Or do you know of any beneficial law that is wanting?
15. Have you lately observed any encroachment on the just liberties of the people?
16. Has anybody attacked your reputation lately? And what can the Junto do towards securing it?
17. Is there any man whose friendship you want, and which the Junto or any of them, can procure for you?
18. Have you lately heard any member's character attacked, and how have you defended it?
19. Has any man injured you, from whom it is in the power of the Junto to procure redress?
20. In what manner can the Junto, or any of them, assist you in any of your honorable designs?
21. Have you any weighty affair in hand, in which you think the advice of the Junto may be of service?
22. What benefits have you lately received from any man not present?
23. Is there any difficulty in matters of opinion, of justice, and injustice, which you would gladly have discussed at this time?
24. Do you see anything amiss in the present customs or proceedings of the Junto, which might be amended?
Discussion Principles
Our guiding principle is Seek truth rather than victory.
We value intellectual humility, open-mindedness, respectful disagreement, attentive listening, and genuine curiosity.
Members are encouraged to respect others' privacy when sharing personal experiences or information about third parties.
Who Should Attend?
Intellectually curious, thoughtful, growth-oriented people interested in lifelong learning, personal development, mutual assistance, and meaningful friendships.
We're building a close-knit circle of 12 committed members, following Franklin's original model.
We look forward to meeting you!