American History

For most of human history, religion wasn't a lifestyle choice, it was part of life. It told you who you were, why you suffered, what death means, and how to live. Then science explained the sky, the earth, and everything around us, and we told ourselves we'd evolved past all that. But the meaninglessness of life was never explained. Millions of people are still medicated, addicted, and quietly lost, in the most comfortable civilisation that has ever existed. Maybe we just stopped feeding something that was never going to stop being hungry. Can a life be meaningful without believing in anything bigger than yourself? Can science tell you how to live? Are the people replacing religion with politics, wellness culture, or ideology any less religious or just less honest about it? Is dismissing religion a sign of progress, or are we just arrogant enough to think we don't need what every civilisation before us had? Here is a video related to this topic: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DffqK6j-y1U](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DffqK6j-y1U) *Please do your own research and share resources related to this topic in the comments below.* —————————————————————————————————————————————— **💛 Support The Examined Life** Enjoying the discussions? Please consider donating, it keeps us running. 👉 Donate here: [https://examinedlife.uk/donation/](https://examinedlife.uk/donation/) —————————————————————————————————————————————— **Join our Telegram group chat** Stay connected between sessions: [https://t.me/+o9T9DL5u6AcwMmRk](https://t.me/+o9T9DL5u6AcwMmRk) —————————————————————————————————————————————— **About the session** The Examined Life "Let's Discuss…" session is an open, welcoming discussion, no prior reading or expertise required. Format: * **13:15** Free-flowing group discussion on the topic * **14:00 (ish)** We split into smaller groups for deeper conversation on what interests you most * **16:00** Official end of the meetup. Most attendees stay on and keep chatting until around 18:00 —————————————————————————————————————————————— **Please RSVP accurately** Please update your RSVP if plans change, it helps us plan and frees up spots for others. —————————————————————————————————————————————— **Artwork:** Interior of a Gothic Cathedral 1612 by Paul Vredeman de Vries

Newcomers are always welcome! We often go to the pub for pints afterwards. Bring cleats if possible (no need to bring anything else) and just turn up in your sports kit. If you can’t make it anymore, please update your RSVP. We set up at the south end of the park near the cricket nets and athletes track – the nearest tube stops are Canada water, Surrey Quays and South Bermondsey. See you on Sat!

In this event, we will discuss about a science or philosophy book chosen by London Science and Philosophy Book Club. The attendees will be divided into groups and each of them will focus on a chapter in the book. This month we will discuss about a fascinating book called The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel. If you haven't read the book, it's no problem. I will bring you up to speed with the discussion materials. We will meet in a nice lounge area at 6 p.m for introductions. Please come on time so you will not miss out on valuable discussion midway. If you end up in the waitlist, feel free to show up. Book Description: Doing well with money isn't necessarily about what you know. It's about how you behave. And behavior is hard to teach, even to really smart people. Money – investing, personal finance, and business decisions – is typically taught as a math-based field, where data and formulas tell us exactly what to do. But in the real world people don't make financial decisions on a spreadsheet. They make them at the dinner table, or in a meeting room, where personal history, your own unique view of the world, ego, pride, marketing, and odd incentives are scrambled together. In The Psychology of Money, award-winning author Morgan Housel shares 19 short stories exploring the strange ways people think about money and teaches you how to make better sense of one of life's most important topics. Agenda: 6 p.m to 6:30 p.m: Introduction and Socializing 6:30 p.m to 9:30 p.m: Book Discussion 9:30 p.m to late night: Drinks, Dinner or Feel free to go home

Come and join in the fun with talented guest Drum Masters Always suitable for beginners! All ages above 8. We are a 'Social Enterprise' so your attendance & support really helps us to survive. Drum hire included in price as well as community vibe! Learning traditional African rhythms through chant and song . Djembes and dun duns. Learning the rich cultural oral history behind the rhythms and how generationally passed down.

We love a good chat. Come and join us at Table 45

Join us for a transformative chanting session! Whether you're new to Buddhism or experienced, our Meetup offers an inclusive space to explore Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. Delve into the heart of Nichiren Buddhism with us, focusing on the Lotus Sutra as the path to enlightenment. All are welcome, regardless of background or experience. Deepen your spiritual journey and connect with fellow seekers in the True Buddhism community. Join us as we embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth together.

*“It's all make-believe, isn't it?”* (Marilyn Monroe) Join us at **Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait at the National Portrait Gallery** to explore the life, career and legacy of Marilyn Monroe through portraits created by some of the greatest photographers and artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Bringing together works by Andy Warhol, Pauline Boty, Marlene Dumas, James Gill, Rosalyn Drexler and Audrey Flack, alongside over 20 era-defining photographers, including Cecil Beaton, Philippe Halsman, Bernard of Hollywood, Sam Shaw, Richard Avedon and George Barris, the exhibition will foreground Monroe’s collaborative approach to image making and her creative agency. The exhibition will also include personal belongings such as books, scripts and clothes to enrich understanding of the woman behind the image. From the earliest ‘cheesecake’ pin-ups made when she was a young model named Norma-Jeane, to the most poignant final photographs taken on the beach in Santa Monica in 1962, Marilyn Monroe was one of the most photographed people in the world. A defining presence in popular culture, she captivated audiences with performances in much loved films such as *Some Like it Hot*. **Read more here:** **[https://www.npg.org.uk/whatson/exhibitions/2026/marilyn-monroe-a-portrait](https://www.npg.org.uk/whatson/exhibitions/2026/marilyn-monroe-a-portrait)** **MEET DETAILS:** **FROM 1.45pm: MEET AT AUDREY GREEN CAFE** Address: Ground Floor, NPG, St Martin's Place, London, WC2H 0HE **2.30pm: ENTER THE MUSEUM/EXHIBITION** Address: Ground Floor, NPG, St Martin's Place, London, WC2H 0HE **4.30pm-Late: PUB SOCIAL at the BREWMASTER (optional)** We'll head to a local pub for a social chit chat over drinks. Address: 37 Cranbourn St, London WC2H 7AD **TICKETS:** **You will need to purchase your own ticket for this event.** **Please book [here](https://www.npg.org.uk/whatson/exhibitions/2026/marilyn-monroe-a-portrait#dates)** and choose the **2.30pm slot** (or thereabouts). Ticket: £27 Ticket with Art Pass: £13.50 Members: free, no need to book **GETTING THERE:** **See 'Visit' page of website [here.](https://www.npg.org.uk/visit/?_gl=1*3jbiem*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..*_ga*MTQ1NjE5NDQwOS4xNzc0ODEwNTQ1*_ga_3D53N72CHJ*czE3NzQ4MTA1NDUkbzEkZzAkdDE3NzQ4MTA1NDUkajYwJGwwJGgw&gclid=Cj0KCQjwm6POBhCrARIsAIG58CLQ-vKfzVdSiI57rKFMPG4RbqxNc4GHPHsyuuN-_JtcWj_9JEqV_X0aArUQEALw_wcB&gbraid=0AAAAA9abo5aycXhzScHgcm4chfCVMAqJ3)** **EVENT WHATSAPP GROUP:** Please join the event WhatsApp group to help you find the group on the day. The link can be found in the Event Comments for those on the 'Attendees' list. *NB* *Joining this WhatsApp group will make your phone number visible to other members in the group.* **PLEASE READ:** LoMAZ events are run by volunteers. This event has an attendee limit as we prefer a smaller, friendlier group. If you RSVP but can no longer attend, please change your RSVP as soon as possible, **otherwise you will be marked as a 'no show'.** We remove members from the group who: * repeatedly sign up for events then 'no show'. * repeatedly change their RSVP to 'No'. * are on the event waitlist or have not RSVPd but turn up anyway. Please see the **[About Us section](https://www.meetup.com/london-museums-a-z-for-30s-40s/)** for more information about the group and how it works. **Thank you for your interest in the group & being part of LoMAZ.** 📸 Follow LoMAZ on **[Instagram.](https://www.instagram.com/londonmuseumsatoz/)** Image credit: *Marilyn Monroe, Ballerina Sitting*, 1954, by Milton H. Greene, Milton H. Greene © MHG Collective, LLC.

[Follow this link for more info, no tickets needed](https://wellcomecollection.org/exhibitions/the-coming-of-age) ‘The Coming of Age’ explores experiences and perceptions of ageing, from adolescence to later life, and asks how societies can adapt for us all to age better. Across the globe, people are living longer. One in ten children in the UK are expected to live beyond the age of 100. But who gets to live longer and ‘age well’? This exhibition explores how experiences of age are shaped by our environment, culture and society. ‘The Coming of Age’ features more than 120 artworks and objects, including historical artefacts and works by contemporary artists. We will join the free intro tour at 14:15 if it's running, then visit by ourselves and you can also check the 'Being Human' permanent exhibition afterwards. When you finish, meet us at the cafe to socialise, if full we will go to a venue nearby. _See comments below for updates_

We start June by reading Amanda Montell's 2019 effort, *Wordslut: A Feminist Guide to Taking Back the English Language*. Our first non-fiction of 2026 is a 'brash, enlightening, and wildly entertaining work of pop linguistics and a feminist look at gendered language and the way it shapes us.' (Book jacket) '[Montell], reporter and feminist linguist, deconstructs language—from insults, cursing, gossip, and catcalling to grammar and pronunciation patterns—to reveal the ways it has been used for centuries to keep women and other marginalized genders from power.' -Waterstones https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53066379-wordslut In the eternal hope of good weather in London in the spring/summer, we will have the meeting in Haz St Paul's lovely outdoor area. So come along for some great atmosphere, delicious Turkish food, and insightful discussion. N.B. We will be charging an event fee of £3, non-refundable, to discourage no-shows and contribute to the running costs of the group. Please only sign up if you intend to come along as space is limited to make for an effective discussion!

***This is a group for deep conversation, making friends, discussing philosophy, (good) music, art, poetry, experiences, politics, etc and building a strong community in London.*** **We are going to meet at the top of Primrose Hill for a picnic, (bring something if you can, no worries if you can’t) and we are going to discuss relax, have a chat and discuss courage.** ***This will be a collaboration with:*** [Philosophy in the Park](https://www.meetup.com/london-philosophy-collective/) **15:00 - 18:00 is the club time, but people can and will stay longer for more chatting, and to talk about other groups for you to join.** **For updates, conversation and our whereabouts on the day check the** [WhatsApp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/LyRmJUaqN5zLJ2x21nIo04) **<—-click here**

**Do you enjoy discussing life's big questions?** Then this group is for you! Open for three weeks only. **Christianity explored** is an informal and relaxed three-week discussion group. We will read a short book (21 pages) from the famous book, the Bible and have discussions. It's for anyone who wants to think about the meaning of life. **If you are open-minded and want to discuss life questions from a new perspective, then come join us!** Come ready to listen, ask, laugh and enjoy socialising and chatting in a relaxed environment at our beautiful venue free of charge. No knowledge of Christianity or the bible is required to attend. **You can ask any questions**, or simply sit and listen. You will not be asked to read, pray or speak. Join us if you would like to meet others and be part of this three-week reading group. Dates: Every Tuesday for three weeks Venue: Inspire St James Church, EC1R 0EA \*\*Lunch will be provided from the lovely Noodle Brat restaurant \*\* £5 donations suggested. Look forward to see you!

Let’s meet and share discussion of the James Baldwin short story collection, Going to Meet The Man.

We meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able! Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

Hosted by Ohio History Connection Address: Octagon Earthworks 125 N. 33rd St., Newark, OH 43055 UNESCO World Heritage Site Join us on June 18 at the Octagon Earthworks Visitor Center for a special evening celebrating the release of John E. Hancock’s new book, **Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks: Landscape Monuments of the Ancient Ohio Valley.** Event Schedule • Doors open: 6:30 p.m. • Lecture begins: 7 p.m. John Hancock will share the story behind Ohio’s remarkable Hopewell earthworks and how eight of these architectural masterpieces became UNESCO World Heritage Sites. He will also discuss how this new Smithsonian publication presents the latest knowledge about their astonishing scope, subtle beauty, and the brilliant Indigenous designers and builders who created them nearly 2,000 years ago. • Book signing: Immediately following the lecture. Books will be available for purchase. **Admission** • $10 per person or Free with a purchase of a book • Free for OHC members • Free for students with a valid ID **About the Book** Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks presents Ohio’s eight UNESCO-inscribed earthworks in a richly illustrated volume from Smithsonian Books. This expanded and re-edited edition of the sites’ World Heritage nomination dossier was produced in collaboration with the Ohio History Connection and the National Park Service. The book features illustrated descriptions and histories of these Indigenous masterpieces, summaries of archaeological research, insights from American Indian scholars and leaders, and discussions of the earthworks’ design, construction, and cultural significance. **About the Author** John E. Hancock taught architecture, design, and history at the University of Cincinnati for 40 years. He has produced numerous multimedia exhibits and publications about Ohio’s earthworks and served as the principal author and photographer for the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks UNESCO World Heritage nomination. In addition to this Smithsonian publication (April 2026), he has also released Traveler’s Guide to Ancient Ohio (April 2026). Come learn about one of the world’s greatest ancient landscapes and meet the author behind this exciting new publication! More info: [https://www.ohiohistory.org/events/lecture-and-book-signing-with-john-e-hancock/](https://www.ohiohistory.org/events/lecture-and-book-signing-with-john-e-hancock/)

Join Guest Host Jeff and the group as we get together to see the historical drama, PRESSURE! Brendan Frasier, Andrew Scott and Kerry Condon star in this film about the tense and dramatic days leading up to the D-Day invasion! Here are details, a trailer and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows General Dwight D. Eisenhower and Captain James Stagg n the tense 72 hours before D-Day. With the fate of the free world in the balance, they face an impossible choice: launch the largest and most dangerous seaborne invasion in history or risk losing the war altogether. It is directed by Anthony Maras and based on David Haig’s 2014 stage play. The film stars Brendan Fraser, Andrew Scott, Kerry Condon, Chris Messina and Damian Lewis. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcPgrKoXe_c BUZZ & ACCLAIM: Critic and audience reviews have been outstanding for a pressure-packed film that earns its name – but also provides superb performances! Reviews call the film a “smart,” “gripping,” “tense,” and “thrilling!” It’s “quality acting” and “fascinating true story” make this one you won’t want to miss! PLAN: Details have been confirmed for this event! Please purchase your ticket for the 6:10pm showing and meet Jeff and the group in the bar area starting at 5:45pm! Advance ticket purchase is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments below. Join Marcus Rewards (FREE) and purchase via the app and tickets are just $6 with no ticketing fee! Plus a free popcorn at the show! Look forward to seeing you there, Jeff P.S. from Dan: THANK YOU to Jeff for hosting this event!

## Candle Making Night at The Arcane Foundry \| Design Your Own Custom Candle **SPECIAL PROMOTION**: Buy 3 and get 1 Free! Step into The Arcane Foundry and create your own custom candle from start to finish. This is a laid back, hands-on experience where **you’ll blend fragrances, choose your vessel, and pour your own candle using 100% soy wax**. Whether you’re coming solo or with friends, it’s designed to be simple, creative, and a good time. We’ll walk you through the entire process, from picking your scents to choosing between a traditional cotton wick or a crackling wood wick. You can go with one fragrance or mix your own blend to create something completely unique**. No experience needed**, just show up and we’ll handle the rest. While your candle sets, feel free to hang out, play a game, explore the shop, or just relax and talk. Drinks and snacks are available, and the atmosphere leans into the **fantasy**, **dark academia**, and **gothic horror** vibe The Arcane Foundry is known for. Learn More: [Candle Making in Columbus, Ohio at The Arcane Foundry](https://thearcanefoundry.com/candle-making/) *** ### What to Expect: * Guided candle making experience * Choose your own vessel, wax, wick, and fragrance * 100% soy wax candles * Optional drinks and snacks * Time to relax while your candle cools *** ### Important Notes: * Please arrive on time so we can start together * Candles will need time to set before taking home * This is a beginner-friendly event *** ### RSVP Required Reserve your spot on Meetup to lock in your seat. **Candle Making** (includes vessel, your choice of wick, wax, scented oil, labels and lids) 5oz Glass Jars $15 8oz Candle Tins $25 12oz Glass Candles $35 12oz Amber Jars $40 16 oz Skull or Jack o Lantern Candle Mugs $65 (Limited Edition!) **All materials included. You just bring yourself (and your drink of choice).** **Payments accepted:** * Credit Card * Venmo: @Daclaud-Lee * Cashapp: $DaclaudL

I have been studying the question of "self" online with Prof. Ellie Anderson and so I thought a prompt on the "self" might be interesting. Full confession: I had Claude create this prompt and I like it, so here goes: Imagine a thought experiment that merges two classic puzzles: > You undergo a procedure, performed neuron by neuron, in which every biological component of your brain is replaced with a functionally identical synthetic substitute. At each step, your behavior, memories, and personality remain unchanged. When the last neuron is swapped, is the consciousness experiencing the world still you? And — more pressingly — was there ever a continuous "you" to begin with? ### Questions to Wrestle With * If consciousness is purely physical, does the *gradual* nature of the replacement matter, or is it equivalent to being destroyed and rebuilt? * Could there be a "self" without continuity of experience — even moment to moment, while you sleep? On a more practical level, consider the simpler case first: **hemispherectomy** patients — people who have had an entire cerebral hemisphere surgically removed — often retain a strong sense of personal identity and continuity. This suggests "you" are not rigidly tied to specific physical material. But does that vindicate the synthetic neuron case, or merely show that identity is more *flexible* than we thought — not that it can survive *complete* substrate replacement? I used Claude so I could get this out today and let everyone have some time to consider it. Hope to see you at the Oracle. Sorry about the location change two weeks ago. That's what I get for trusting local weather predictions!