Anti-Capitalism

Philosophy in the Park is a philosophical discussion group. Open to all. No previous philosophical experience necessary. We will meet in the Barbican Centre on Level Minus 1. Outside The Hall. Here's how it works: * At the start of each hour vote on which questions to discuss. You can vote for more than one question if you'd like. The questions with the most votes are the questions we discuss. * We then break up into groups and each group does a different question. The question is just a starting point and it's cool if you go on tangents and up end talking about different things. You're welcome to join in and participate or if you'd prefer you're welcome to sit back and enjoy the conversation. After an hour we all come back together, take a quick break and then repeat all over again. So in 3 hours we go around 3 times. The aim is to have fun, meet new people, generate interesting and thought-provoking conversations, have your horizons expanded, challenge your preconceptions and who knows - you might even learn something? In order to make the conversations as fun, interesting and productive for everyone as possible please follow these simple guidelines: 1. Keep it Philosophical (No Science, no History, no Evolutionary Psychology, no contestable facts, personal anecdotes etc). 2. Think for Yourself (No phones, no looking up definitions, no name dropping Philosophers / books you've read). 3. Tangents are Cool (Don't worry too much if the subject drifts and you don't answer the question). 4. Keep it Succinct (Like this). 5. Be Excellent to Each Other (But of course). Philosophy is about conceptual analysis. It's thinking about thinking. It's not about empiricism or the real world. It's about abstractions, concepts and ideas. To terms of the right attitude: It's not about debating and trying to win - it's about listening to people and working collaboratively to increase our collective understanding. No homework or prior knowledge or reading is necessary - simply come and enjoy the discussions. After the event finishes we have an area reserved in The Shakespeare pub which is just around the corner from the Barbican. You are very welcome to join us if you'd like. If you would like to submit a question please join the Whatsapp group. Question submissions take place on the Thursday before the meeting. We hope to see you there. Nice one. ... To join the Philosophy in the Park WhatsApp Group please click here: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdFaxJHbeOw9UOfuk7spiK](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdFaxJHbeOw9UOfuk7spiK) (in order to stop spam bots this will take you to a Waiting Room. Once in please write your name and we will join you to the main chat). If the link doesn't work then please send me a message with your phone number and I can add you directly. Meetup charges subscription fees. If you would like to make a donation please click here: [https://paypal.me/philosophycollective](https://paypal.me/philosophycollective)

Welcome to our pre-Chinese New Year meetup. If you are attending please click the "attend" button and register your interest. If you are a Cantonese learner why not pre-prepare a story to be recounted in Cantonese. About something that you have experienced. It's a great way for you to practice speaking, learn new vocabulary and for the group to get to know you. We always have mother tongue speakers who can help you refine your efforts. Come join our friendly informal get together for anyone interested in learning Cantonese. Practice speaking Cantonese without fear or embarrasment of being missunderstood (very easy in Cantonese). **!** 🙂. **特别欢迎以广东话为母语的人士 !** 🙂. Any questions or feedback, please do not hesitate to contact us!

Join us for a free community screening of *[Fires and Fascism](https://fires-and-fascism.co.uk)*, supported by climate action group [Fossil Free London](https://fossilfreelondon.org). **🗓️ Saturday 24 January 2026** 🎟️ **Free entry**, just RSVP (or get **ticket+donation** [here](https://www.zeffy.com/en-GB/ticketing/fires-and-fascism-karamel-hornsey-24-jan)) **🕕** doors open at **18:00 🎬** film starts at **19:00** 📍 [Karamel Club](http://www.musicglue.com/karamel) - [4 Coburg Rd, London N22 6UJ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/9pKfu6McuPZ9N3hF7) *[Fires and Fascism](https://fires-and-fascism.co.uk)* is a powerful 57-min documentary exploring how climate-fuelled wildfires across Southern Europe are entangled with corruption, organised crime, and the rise of far-right politics — and how local people are organising to resist. After the film, stay for a 45-min Q&A session with director **Pete Knapp**, facilitated by **Solveig** from climate action group **[EcoCounts](https://ecocounts.community/)**. This event is **free to attend** but support for translation and distribution costs is much appreciated. Any cash donations will be collected in person, or you can get a ticket+donation [here](https://www.zeffy.com/en-GB/ticketing/fires-and-fascism-karamel-hornsey-24-jan). *Karamel's fully vegan kitchen and bar will be open before, during, and after the event. They're hosting us for free, so please show your support by ordering some of their delicious food and drinks.* *For any questions about the event, feel free to join the [Culture Club group chat](https://londonvegannetwork.netlify.app/CultureClub) in the **London Vegan Network** community on WhatsApp.*

**[Book here](https://tarayogacentre.co.uk/event/tantric-massage/)** Dive into the **secrets of conscious touch, discovering sensuality, intimacy and refined Eros**. Uncover the mysteries of the sacred masculine and feminine, **connect more deeply with yourself, while offering the wonderful gift of sensual bliss to another soul.** This course is designed to help people **connect in a more profound, healing and soul-nourishing way**. By addressing the fundamental **power of attraction and polarity which is at the heart of any relationship**, you will have practical way of **embracing and applying the principles of Tantra** in your daily life. The search for intimacy often seems fraught with risk and danger, but this is simply because it is done without love. When we approach intimacy from the heart, we start to realise that rather than stepping unprepared out into the wilderness, **it is a true journey home**, imbued with all the feelings of **safety, security and love** that characterise discovering the route within, to our true self. **Who is this course for?** For those who wish for deeper connections People who want to learn the art of intimacy in a practical way, who want to offer and receive touch in a very profound and conscious way that nourishes our soul. For both beginners and professionals People who want to develop spiritually. We will go over the fundamentals of physical massage technique, and then deepen this with Tantric principles to transform the massage into an elevated spiritual experience. For those who wish to awaken Love and Eros People who want to discover the sacred masculine and feminine and use the sublime power of polarity and love to expand their consciousness and awaken their being. **Module 2** The Game of Polarity * The Tantric principle of polarity – embracing your own soul nature and in this way awakening your partners soul * Benefits for men receiving tantric massage * Awakening Shakti through the adoration of Shiva – the feminine attitude in front of Shiva * The specific female way to massage – including body to body techniques (demo and practice) * Benefits for women receiving tantric massage * Awakening Shiva through the adoration of Shakti – the masculine attitude in front of Shakti * The specific masculine way to massage – including further techniques for men (demo and practice) * Ways of improving control over the erotic energies Pricing (couple): £550 per module

**Welcome back to LCC's Trail Running Club! For our next outing we're heading to Hampstead Heath. This is a moderately hilly run, but we'll be making for the uplands and forests at the top of the Heath where the terrain evens out and doing most of our run there. We'll be looking at a roughly 45-60 minute run, covering between 4 and 5 kilometres or thereabouts.** Our route will take us from Gospel Oak Overground Station (on the Mildmay and Suffragette lines) through the east side of the Heath, up Parliament Hill (at a relaxed pace), around Hampstead Heath Woods and its ponds in the north, and then back down through the Vale of Heath into Hampstead itself, with transport at Hampstead tube station (Northern line) and Hampstead Heath Overground station (Mildmay line). All are welcome - we're a mix of skill levels and leg lengths, so I'll be maintaining a relatively relaxed pace and will make sure no one winds up too far behind. Afterwards we may hit a cafe or pub to refuel and potentially discuss strategies and next steps for this little project. I'll be bringing plenty of water along with me, so if you forget yours, fear not. I'll also have some misting sprays and microfibre towels if the day's weather feels over-hot for anyone. Our standard bit of info about our running group and why it's good is provided below: \-\-\-\-\- Humans evolved to run and sprint; no wonder then that when we do it regularly (within moderation and with plenty of rest days), our brains as well as bodies thank us. Running has recently been shown to [improve neuroplasticity,](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6148340/) heal [brain damage](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6148340/) in affected individuals, and foster [better mental health](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-truth-behind-runners-high-and-other-mental-benefits-of-running) including elevated mood at rest and enhanced task-switching ability. Doing all this in nature, as opposed to busy London roads dodging commuters and street cleaners, also helps deliver the well-known [benefits](https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/mental-health/the-mental-health-benefits-of-nature-spending-time-outdoors-to-refresh-your-mind/) of time spent in nature to mood, anxiety levels, cognition and memory. All these things matter a great deal in an age where burnout and exhaustion are a constant presence either in our own lives or those of the people we care about [who you should totally invite along]. It matters especially for people trying to eke out a percentage of their time and mental capacity for transformative social and political organising: the better we feel, the more we'll be able to do. In a nutshell, running is great for you and you should do it. Trail running is even better. Best of all is doing all this with a supportive group of comrades, especially one which includes knowledgeable folks who can provide some structure to what can be a puzzling sport to get started with if building up to something, like a 10k or half marathon, is your goal. Part of our running group's programming will be building a series of events aimed at building people up, slowly but surely, towards specific goals, using progressive programmes similar to the [NHS's Couch to 5k](https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/get-active/get-running-with-couch-to-5k/) system. \-\-\-\-\- Take care and see you on the trails!

🎉 Women’s FIDE & ECF Rapid Chess Tournament – Saturday 24 January 2026. Join us for an exciting day of rapid chess at our next FIDE & ECF-rated tournament, exclusively for women and girls of all levels! 🗓 Date: Saturday 24 January 2026 📍 Venue: Pancras Square Library, King’s Cross, London ♟ Format: 5 Rounds \| 25\+10 time control 🕘 Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM 🎟 Entry: £10 💡 New to FIDE? If you play 5 rated opponents, you’ll earn your first FIDE rapid rating – a fantastic opportunity to begin your chess journey! This event is welcoming, inclusive, and focused on building confidence through competitive play in a relaxed, supportive environment. Whether you’re new to tournaments or a seasoned player, we’d love to have you with us. 💬 To register: [https://eu.jotform.com/form/242386475862367](https://eu.jotform.com/form/242386475862367) 📧 Questions? Message us or email: [info@londonwomenchess.org.uk](mailto:info@londonwomenchess.org.uk) Let’s grow together, one game at a time. Organised by London Women’s Chess Club

**FREE FOR MEMBERS OR SIGN UP WHEN YOU ARRIVE** Hello music enthusiast, We're excited to invite you to our Songwriting Class held right here in the heart of musical Camden every Saturday at 2 p.m! Whether you're a budding songwriter or just looking to explore your creative side, this class is designed **for people under 30s and all skill levels.** Come be a part of our community!!! No matter your background or experience, all are welcome. Let's turn your musical ideas into real songs! If you want to know more information, text or call Thomas: 07310801741

**The spiritual party everyone is talking about, with loud sacred mantra music, wild dancing and a mouth-watering VEGAN/VEGGIE FEAST 🌱** Enjoy mantra music, a vibrant social scene and the best vegan cuisine from around the globe. Connect with like-minded people and jam to groovy mantra music that stirs the heart. The evening begins with some mantra music meditation, also known as kirtan, at 5PM, Followed by a talk on yoga **wisdom** and spirituality. Then we move into another kirtan. As the kirtan increases in intensity, we will open the **dance floor**. From rocking beats to vegan treats! It's time to indulge in a luxurious **all you can eat** VEGAN/VEGGIE feast. **Ticket Price** 🎟 (includes Dinner): Door price: General £17 \| *Student £14* Online \(Eventbrite\): General £14 \| *Student £10* **Where** 📍: 57 Theobalds Road, Holborn, WC1X 8SP **When** 📆: Every Sunday at 5pm (Doors open at 4.45pm) [Book online](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/studio-108-34126014551) or pay at the door🚪 [@studio108_ldn](https://www.instagram.com/studio108_ldn/) to stay up to date and find out more.

Weekly cycling club open to members of that club only. Membership enquiries to creativewellnesswon@outlook.com

Claim your free life coaching session by RSVPing to this event! And I will contact you directly. We have amazing life coaches who can help you in different areas of your life! No matter what is going on, we understand that sometimes it can all be very overwhelming and feel like you have no idea what to do! Come and speak to one of us so get some help!

Salut à tous ! On fêtera le nouvel an avec ce classique de la littérature française, 115 pages. L’histoure d'*Un coeur simple* est tout bonnement le récit d'une vie obscure, celle d'une pauvre fille de campagne, dévote mais pas mystique, dévouée sans exaltation et tendre comme du pain frais. Elle aime successivement un homme, les enfants de sa maîtresse, un neveu, un vieillard qu'elle soigne, puis son perroquet… Bonne lecture ! Intéressé à la lecture en espagnol, en anglais ou à la littérature perse ? : [-](http://-www.meetup.com/gaia-libros)[www.meetup.com/gaia-books](www.meetup.com/gaia-books) [-www.meetup.com/gaia-livres](http://-www.meetup.com/gaia-livres) -[www.meetup.com/persian-culture](www.meetup.com/persian-culture) -Instagram: @persian_culture_

Cashflow game encompasses Kiyosaki's ideas, his teaching philosophy. Once progression has taken place in understanding and learning this game, we can progress onto Kiyosaki's former business partner Loral Langmeier's game, which advances many of the ideas found in Cashflow and adds a lot more besides into her game Millionaire Maker, where she builds her millionaire-making philosophies in her own business. Finally, Brad Sugar's game Leverage will add even more dimensions to your business understanding and acumen. Our other London venues for Cashflow are; Piccadilly, Central London Cashflow Club http://www.meetup.com /LondonCashflow/ Hammersmith, West London Cashflow Club https://www.meetup.com/WestLondonCashflowClub Archway, North London Cashflow Club https://www.meetup.com/NorthLondonCashflowClub

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Venezuela’s Future—and Ours,”** an analysis of how the Trump administration’s intervention in Venezuela will affect that nation, the U.S., and the rest of the world, with Ernesto Castañeda, Director of the Center for Latin American and Latino Studies and the Immigration Lab at American University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-venezuela-future](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/nv-venezuela-future) .] On January 3rd, after a long military buildup, the United States used special forces to seize Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their residence in Caracas, Venezuela to stand trial here on criminal charges. The development marked a major turning point in our relationship with Venezuela and the rest of Latin America and raised a host of complex questions, not just for Venezuelans living inside and outside that country but for American citizens and other nations of the world. Coming to the stage to break down what all of this means is Ernesto Castañeda, a scholar of Latin America who has given several excellent Profs and Pints talks on immigration policy and has given dozens of interviews to media outlets around the world in the wake of the U.S. raid. In a talk offering informed perspective on the latest news developments, Professor Castañeda will discuss various theories about why the U.S. conducted the operation to get Maduro out of Venezuela. He’s put our nation’s current plans for Venezuela into context by touching on previous U.S. military interventions in Latin America and beyond. Professor Castañeda will look at the implications of recent events for U.S. politics and U.S. citizens and what such developments tell us about the balance of power in the United States. He’ll examine the distance between decisions made by the White House and public priorities, touching on how it all relates to our immigration policies and our views about peaceful protest and democracy. He’ll consider how the Venezuela raid and our actions since have altered relations between the U.S. and other nations and provide scenarios about what the future might hold. (Door: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.

Germantown's evening Toastmasters club. We meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month at 7:00 pm at Northwest High School, classroom 232. We offer opportunities to give a speech, practice impromptu speaking, participate in a leadership role, evaluate a fellow speaker, participate in speech contests, and organize Toastmasters events. There is never any pressure. This is a very kind group of people dedicated to improving their communications and leadership skills and helping others to do the same. You're welcome to visit as many times as you'd like for free. If you would like to join Toastmasters and get started on your public speaking and leadership path, you can do so at any time. Dues are just $51 for a six-month membership + $20 New Member Fee (one time only). Hope to see you soon! IMPORTANT: When Montgomery County Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather, the club will not meet.

Do you feel stuck in the rat race? Do you want to learn how to earn extra income and become financially free? Event outline: Arrive: 6:00 - 6:10 PM Play Cashflow and discuss Investing - 6:10 PM - 9:00 PM We welcome new and experienced players to the meetup. If this is your first game, you will have a lot of fun in a very safe, beginner-friendly environment. If you’ve played many times, prepare to be challenged! There will be a Cashflow 101 game for newer players. There will be a Cashflow 201 game for advanced players. Cost: Free Parking: There is free parking available around the outside of the building. How to get to the office: Park in the parking lot around the outside of the building. Enter in through the front doors. (The side the parking garage is on) Enter the Elevator and go up to the 3rd floor. Walk down the hallway to the end. You will see a room marked as the "Daybreak Room" The event will be inside that room Feel Free to bring in any food or drinks. There are many restaurants nearby. If you have any questions please call or text -- (240) 357-5597

Join us for a fun afternoon of board games, card games, etc! Bring your favorites or play a game that someone else brings. You are welcome to bring snacks (for yourself or to share) and non-alcoholic beverages. RSVP will remain open until the start of the event!

Register at Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy at [Writing in Nature (New Location) - Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy](https://loudounwildlife.org/event/writing-in-nature-february/) Join Nancy Morgan, Director Emeritus, Georgetown Lombardi Arts and Humanities Program, for this regular monthly workshop, presented by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, to enjoy the combined health benefits of time spent in nature and writing thoughts and feelings. Writing is often considered a solo, reflective practice, but writing in the company of others can be a supportive, community building activity that encourages regular practice. Each session is a stand-alone event – come when you are able. Registration for each session is open through the morning of the workshop. For directions, click on the Google Map link at the bottom of this page. ***Registration required.*** ***Questions:*** *Contact [info@loudounwildlife.org](mailto:info@loudounwildlife.org)*.

THIS CLASS IS OFFERED THROUGH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER **PLEASE REGISTER WITH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER, NOT MEETUP!** https://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/class/2026-02-01-photographic-composition-essential-techniques The composition of a photograph is the single most important element a photographer uses to convey an artistic statement. What’s included, excluded and the arrangement of elements within the frame is all part of composition. This class will teach you techniques to improve the composition of your photos with hands-on shooting experience coupled with feedback. Join instructor Michael Koren as you learn about composition in the Postal Museum and Union Station. The class begins with a lesson and viewing examples of compositional techniques from master photographers to help you when composing your own photographs. We'll then go to specific locations to practice those composition techniques. Afterwards, participants will have free time to photograph all the museum has to offer. We’ll follow up with a gentle critique and feedback of your best work of the day. This class is about "seeing" stronger images. Any camera will do from DSLRs to mobile phones. If you *are*bringing a DSLR or mirrorless camera, lenses in the range of 18-135 would work well. No tripods allowed for this class. Questions can be directed to Marie Joabar at info@capitalphotographycenter.com. Class limit: 8-10 *** **THIS CLASS IS OFFERED THROUGH CAPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER** https://capitalphotographycenter.com/classes/class/2026-02-01-photographic-composition-essential-techniques

(2024) by Christof Koch, 288 pages [Psychology] • Hardcover • Kindle • Audiobook • Library: https://fcplcat.fairfaxcounty.gov/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.1&pos=1&cn=613100 Check the How To Find Us section for Zoom Link **(Remember, the Zoom Link is different each month, do not bookmark)** ### Review "A wonderful book."―Sam Harris, Making Sense with Sam Harris “a fun introduction to a number of debates… Mr. Koch’s book provokes questions… and counterarguments, but that’s what gives it life.” ―The Wall Street Journal “Easily the most current, thorough, and helpful exploration of consciousness available. Koch’s light, simple, yet authoritative writing style will appeal to general audiences as well as scientists and researchers. An essential, highly recommended purchase.”―Library Journal “magisterial… charming, sometimes beautiful, and almost always illuminating” ―Science Magazine “an impressive and sometimes exuberant work, showcasing decades of [Koch’s] research”―New Scientist “Koch’s adept use of analogies and entertaining anecdotes — complete with his own near-death experience and psychedelic drug trips — make the book a compelling and surprisingly light read.” ―Science News “undeniably compelling… a smoothly written must-read for anyone interested in a detailed introduction to the relationship between the brain, consciousness, and transformative experiences” ―Ars Technica “Expertly weaving in personal experience with science that few, if any, can speak more authoritatively about, Koch leads us on an amazing journey of consciousness—from birth to death. Deeply personal and infinitely digestible, Then I Am Myself the World is a remarkable must read for anyone interested in knowing their mind.”―Judson Brewer MD, PhD, New York Times–bestselling author of Unwinding Anxiety “Koch’s latest book brilliantly navigates the intricate landscape of our mind and our brain, offering insightful perspectives on the nature of conscious experiences, both ordinary as well as extraordinary ones.”―Hartmut Neven, founder and lead of Google’s quantum AI lab “Then I Am Myself the World is the new record of note for the scientific understanding of consciousness. This is an elegant tableau, a travelogue of subjective experience grounded in the latest neuroscience and philosophy traversing religion, science, and a life dedicated to the biggest questions. Filled with crystalline prose, lucid explanation, and revelatory honesty, this book will continue to be read centuries from now.”―Patrick House, author of Nineteen Ways of Looking at Consciousness “What would happen if a hardcore neuroscientist, with encyclopedic knowledge and four decades of experience in his field, were personally confronted with transformative mystical experiences carrying inevitable metaphysical implications? What would happen if the neuroscientist in question were open-minded, humble, but remained rigorously grounded in reason, evidence, and his hard-earned understanding of how consciousness relates to brain structures and function? What would he, the most preeminent professional of his generation, make of his extraordinary experiences? And what if, in addition, the neuroscientist was a modern renaissance man versed in physics, philosophy, the arts, the classics, and could pluck irresistibly evocative metaphors from the Western literary and artistic canon as if leisurely picking apples in early fall? This is what you will find in this treasured book, a whirlwind ride of insight after insight—so many they can’t possibly be all documented in footnotes—that will surprise and delight you from the get-go. ‘Primacy goes to consciousness, not to the objective world,’ he boldly states already on page two, in a prelude of things to come. ‘Everything else follows from there, including the realist assumption of the existence of objects, out ‘there,’ independent of my experiencing them.’ The book embodies the ever-evolving wisdom of a man whose intellectual prowess is only matched by his intellectual honesty. And this man, in the seventh decade of his scintillatingly productive life, has a lifetime of learning to share with you.”―Bernardo Kastrup, executive director, Essentia Foundation “Koch’s first book was entitled The Quest for Consciousness. And such has been Koch’s life, an adventurer’s pursuit of a distant goal, undeterred by the prevailing winds. The reader will learn where this quest has led and, like the author, will be enriched by it. Koch, one of the most accomplished scientists of our time, a mind singularly open to learning and changing, here opens his soul, revealing his vast, scintillating appreciation of nature in all its forms. It is a touching, profound book. Which is as it should be, since consciousness touches everything and is everything we touch.”―Giulio Tononi, University of Wisconsin-Madison ### About the Author Christof Koch is a neuroscientist at the Allen Institute and at the Tiny Blue Dot Foundation, the former president of the Allen Institute for Brain Science, and a former professor at the California Institute of Technology. Author of four previous titles, Koch writes regularly for a range of media, including Scientific American. He lives in the Pacific Northwest.