Agora Network: Wisdom for Modern Life

In antiquity, a symposium was a gathering of friends who came together to recline around a shared table, where wine and conversation flowed freely into the night. Together, they would choose a topic and take turns speaking, listening, and laughing—guided by the rhythms of drink and dialogue.

Inspired by this tradition, our Symposium has no set theme. It's an invitation to come together with other curious minds, to offer up questions or ideas, and to vote together on where to begin. Whether you're hungry for connection or simply seeking space to speak and be heard, you're warmly welcomed to join the conversation.

Symposium will meet in parks throughout Prague, embracing the sunshine and pleasant weather while we have it. Bring a blanket or something to sit on. There’s no cost to join, but please bring a snack or drink to share, if you're able. Most of all, bring a curious mind and a willingness to learn from the insight of others.

***
If the weather doesn't cooperate, we'll find an alternate venue—so keep an eye on the event chat or your email for updates.

Also, despite the origins of the Symposium, our goal is not necessarily to get drunk and the organizer would encourage you not to come with that sole purpose in mind. :)

The first 45 minutes of the event will be dedicated to simply getting to know one another, and we highly encourage you to join for this part. The main conversation will begin after this. If there's multiple topics suggested, we might split up into multiple groups. Afterwards, you’re welcome to stay or follow onto any spontaneous activity that unfolds.

A note on attendance: If you need to cancel, please do so at least a few days in advance and update your RSVP accordingly. This helps honor the host’s efforts and makes space for others who would like to attend. Repeated last-minute cancellations or no-shows may result in being placed on the waitlist for future events.

Let's read Cartesian Meditations!

Husserl's Cartesian Meditations is a great introduction to phenomenology. They were originally delivered as lectures, so it's not a long text and it's not so hard, but it requires concentration (and discussing it in group can help and be fun). For our first meeting, I propose to have read the Introduction, and the First and Second Meditations, so we can clarify it and comment it together.

I can give a brief presentation on Descartes’ Meditations on First Philosophy (an important reference for this book), if you'd like, and then we can all summarize and discuss Husserl's first two meditations. If there's enough interest, the plan is to hold a second meeting on July 17th, covering the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Meditations.

Husserl's Cartesian Meditations can be easily found in English online, or feel free to message me and I can send it you.
The same goes for the optional reading, Descartes’ Meditations on First Philosophy.

See you! :-)

Experience the art of the Chinese tea ceremony, a centuries-old tradition that embodies a philosophy of simplicity and balance, fostering a moment of quiet reflection.

Central to this tradition is the Chinese character for tea, 茶 (chá), which consists of three parts: 艹 (cǎo), meaning "grass"; 人 (rén), meaning "person"; and 木 (mù), meaning "wood" or "tree." This composition beautifully symbolizes the connection between nature and humanity, highlighting tea as a gift from the earth.

Guests will be guided through the delicate process of brewing and serving tea, appreciating its fragrance, taste, and the mindful gestures involved. We will be sampling two types of tea while getting to know each other's ideas on culture, philosophy, spirituality and sometimes psychology. The serene atmosphere of the hidden Prague gem that is the Light Tea House, enhanced by traditional music and elegant teaware, offers a moment of peace, appreciation and human connection.

Preference will be given to those on the previous event's waiting list, due to limitations of space, so the organizer reserves the right to select participants. The final attendee size will be 6 (includes host), so I will select from the waiting list in ordering of priority. There is a small fee of 100 czk to cover the tea costs so would be best to bring some cash.