Applied Wisdom Lab — Session 1: Wisdom Under Modern Conditions

Session 1: Wisdom Under Modern Conditions

NOTE: Please RSVP individually through Meetup. Because the discussion group is intentionally small (max 10 people), we aren’t able to accommodate unregistered guests.

Modern societies possess unprecedented intelligence, information, and technological power. Yet many people feel increasingly disoriented about how to live well within them.

Why does increasing intelligence and information not automatically produce wiser lives?

Human intelligence allows us to solve problems and reshape the world, but the same cognitive capacities also allow us to rationalize poor decisions, pursue narrow goals at the expense of deeper goods, and construct systems that amplify our own vulnerabilities.

This first session of the Seattle Applied Wisdom Lab will explore that tension and ask a simple question:

What does wisdom look like under modern conditions?

To ground the discussion, participants will read a short framing essay in advance:
“Wisdom Under Modern Conditions: Intelligence, Rationality, and the Search for Orientation in a Changing World.”

The essay explores:

• The difference between intelligence, rationality, and wisdom
• Why the structure of human cognition makes misalignment possible
• How modern institutions amplify these vulnerabilities
• Why cultivating wisdom may be especially important today

The session will begin with a short overview of the essay (10–15 minutes), followed by structured discussion.

During the session we will:

• briefly introduce the core ideas from the essay
• discuss reactions and critiques
• explore how these themes relate to lived experience

The goal is not to reach final answers but to begin cultivating the habits of attention and dialogue through which wiser lives become possible.

Format

• Small group discussion (max 10 people)
• Pre-reading required
• Structured but conversational

The goal is thoughtful dialogue rather than debate. Participants are encouraged to listen carefully and engage respectfully with differing perspectives.

Preparation
Please read the essay before attending. Estimated reading time: ~20 minutes.
Link to reading: https://lapis-mercurii.org/sawl/wisdom-under-modern-conditions.pdf

Where and When

• Tuesday, March 24, 6:00-7:30 PM
• Meeting Room at the Fremont Branch of the Seattle Public Library (731 N. 35th St., Seattle, WA 98103)
• Please aim to arrive 10 mins early to avoid interruption

Who This Is For
This group is designed for thoughtful adults who are interested in integrating philosophy, psychology, and lived experience. You do not need academic training in philosophy to participate. Curiosity, seriousness, and willingness to engage respectfully are enough.

Space is limited to keep the discussion small, so please update your RSVP if you are unable to attend.

Note
This event is NOT hosted, sponsored, or endorsed by The Seattle Public Library. Any views that are discussed in this meeting are not a reflection of The Seattle Public Library’s views.