Personality Conversations: Meet Your Types (MBTI)

For most of human history, power has been seized and sustained through strength, coercion, and manipulation. Foundational works such as Sun Tzu's The Art of War, Machiavelli's The Prince, Hobbes' Leviathan, Locke’s Two Treatises of Government, and Greene's 48 Laws of Power reflect how leaders have historically justified their control—whether through strategy, fear, divine right, or social contracts.

But history doesn’t have to define our future.

In this session, Garrett Lang, Executive Director of the Free Thinker Institute, proposes a new ethical model for gaining and maintaining power. One rooted not in domination, but in empowerment. He will outline how future leaders must use power to prevent significant unnecessary harm, empower individuals to pursue happiness, and foster critical thinking and fairness across society.

Rather than perpetuating inequality and manipulation, we’ll discuss how leaders can intentionally seek power to:

• Protect human dignity and individual rights.
• Empower others to reach their potential.
• Create equal opportunities for education and economic success.
• Build systems that minimize harm while maximizing freedom and happiness.

The presentation will offer practical steps for leaders—and voters—to create a world where power is used ethically, equitably, and sustainably. Together, we’ll explore how transforming our approach to leadership can create a more compassionate and flourishing society.

Format: Lecture and discussion

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

Garrett has been reflecting on the Ukraine war—an injustice he finds deeply troubling—and regards the Iraq war as another stark illustration of the same moral failure. He has been pursuing a single question: how to end unjust wars permanently and, in doing so, secure historic progress for human rights.

​Convinced he has identified a viable answer, Garrett reports that his initial presentation of the idea was well received, and he believes this audience could help turn it into action. Although he acknowledges real obstacles, he considers them minor and is eager to help overcome them.

​Amid the current climate—particularly the escalating rhetoric from Donald Trump toward Greenland, Panama, and others—Garrett sees an urgent need for solutions. He actively invites critique to uncover any flaws and, if the idea withstands scrutiny, seeks collaborators capable of bringing it to those who can realize it.

​He calls on others to join him in exploring this proposed path to lasting peace.

​Format: Keynote

​Speakers:

In the lead-up to the next presidential administration, the Heritage Foundation and dozens of conservative organizations have launched Project 2025, a comprehensive effort to reshape the federal government. The initiative outlines sweeping reforms to government agencies, public policies, and leadership priorities with the stated goal of reducing the size of the federal bureaucracy, restoring individual liberties, and promoting a particular vision of American values.

For some, Project 2025 represents a bold effort to return to what they see as the founding principles of the United States. For others, it raises concerns about the balance of power, individual rights, and the role of government in protecting vulnerable communities.

This event will explore Project 2025’s core objectives, including:

• Limiting federal regulatory power and promoting local governance.
• Restructuring social policies with a focus on family, religious freedom, and national sovereignty.
• Reforming economic, environmental, and foreign policies according to a conservative framework.

But we’ll also ask the broader questions:

• Where are we now as a nation in terms of balancing freedom, safety, and opportunity?
• How can we create a system of governance that empowers citizens without unnecessary harm?
• What ethical principles should guide both conservative and liberal efforts to shape the future?

Whether you agree with Project 2025 or oppose its aims, this conversation invites people across the political spectrum to engage thoughtfully, understand each other’s perspectives, and discuss the future of American leadership and values.

Format: Lecture and discussion

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

The justice system is meant to be the great equalizer, protecting our rights and upholding the law. But is it truly just for all Americans today? In this thoughtful and personal conversation, we’ll explore the core questions surrounding our courts:

• How are judges and justices appointed, and how does that influence their decisions?
• What role, if any, does undisclosed (“dark”) money play in shaping judicial rulings?
• Why is public trust in the courts declining—and how can we rebuild it?
• What are some personal stories that reveal both the strengths and shortcomings of our current legal system?
• If our system isn’t perfect (and no system is), what reforms could make it fairer and more accountable—such as community courts or citizen juries?

Our goal is not to tear down the justice system but to improve it thoughtfully—protecting its essential role in society while correcting the ways it falls short of fairness. We’ll also discuss innovative ideas like local community courts and explore how ordinary citizens can help create a more just and trustworthy legal system.
Whether you’re a skeptic or a supporter of the courts, conservative or liberal, your voice matters in this conversation about how we define justice in America today—and tomorrow.

Format: Lecture and discussion

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