Ayn Rand

Do we work to live, or live to work? What would work look like in a “free” society? Hello friends! Please join our discussion-led session on “work” through Pierre Clastres’ Society Against the State. We’ll use Clastres’ argument to question the idea that human societies naturally move towards more work, more production, more accumulation, and finally the State. Clastres argues that some stateless societies were not simply poor, backward, or unable to produce more. Instead, they often limited work to what was needed, refused unnecessary surplus, and organised themselves in ways that prevented coercive political power from emerging. In short, the text invites us to ask whether work is always a neutral or positive activity. Is work simply what people do to meet their needs? Or does work become something different when it is imposed by bosses, rulers, markets, or institutions? Clastres helps us distinguish between work as necessary cooperation and work as domination. But the question is not simple. If a society refuses accumulation, how does it prepare for years of scarcity? Can a community store food, tools, or resources for collective security without allowing those reserves to become a source of power over others? Here are some questions to consider: Do we work in order to live, or are our lives organised around work? What is the difference between necessary work and imposed work? Is refusing unnecessary work a political act? Can a free society organise necessary labour without creating rulers? How much surplus or storage does a community need to protect itself from scarcity? When does storing goods for collective security become accumulation for power? Is modern wage labour mainly productive, or also disciplinary? What is the difference between community labour, voluntary cooperation, and wage labour? Let’s come together for an insightful and engaging session—we look forward to exploring the politics of work, the limits of accumulation, and whether we can imagine forms of collective labour without domination. Further reading: Pierre Clastres, Society Against the State [https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/pierre-clastres-society-against-the-state](https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/pierre-clastres-society-against-the-state)

**👋 Hi everyone!** **We’re fully migrating to [Outsavvy](https://www.outsavvy.com/event/34181/queer-women-ttprg-games). Please [sign up on Outsavvy](https://www.outsavvy.com/organiser/queer-women-dd-and-games) to secure your spot. If it looks sold out, don't worry. There is waitlist in OS, and we will re-release tickets when they become available.** **Thanks so much, and see you there! 💖** Are you a queer woman (lesbian, bi, pan, ace, trans, or non-binary) who would like to embark on a new adventure with like-minded companions? Join us now! It doesn't matter if you're a weathered veteran of dungeon crawling or a newbie ready for your first adventure; you are welcome here! In this event, we run D&D 5e and other Tabletop RPGs' one-shots.

Connecting people into Philosophy. All welcome. No previous philosophical experience needed. **What it is** Philosophy in the Park is a fun and friendly space for people to come together and have discussions that get deep. It’s a safe space where active creative thinking is encouraged and enjoyed, and where everyone can explore abstract concepts in a way that combines both sincerity and playfulness. Where the most important question is always - what do you think? **What is Philosophy?** Philosophy is about analysing concepts. It's thinking about thinking. It's not about empiricism or the physical world (eg Science and statistics). It's about abstractions, concepts and ideas (eg Identity, Morality, Mind and Truth). **How Philosophy in the Park Works** * Each hour begins with a group vote on which questions to discuss. You can vote for more than one question if you'd like. * We then break out into groups, each focusing on one of the chosen questions. The question is just a starting point and it's cool if you go on tangents and end up talking about different things. You're welcome to join in and participate or if you'd prefer to sit back and enjoy the conversation, that’s also welcome. * After an hour we regroup, take a quick break and then repeat all over again. So across the 3 hours, we’ll break out 3 times. **Where it is** We meet at Baroness Burdett Coutts Drinking Fountain in Victoria Park (East Park). It is marked down as "13" on the official maps found in the park. Please feel free to bring snacks and drinks with you if you want. After the event finishes most people stay and hang out. There’s a local supermarket to get drinks and snacks, or bring your own. You are very welcome to join us. **Guidelines** In order to make the conversations as fun, interesting and productive as possible please follow these simple guidelines: 1. Keep it Philosophical (No Science, no History, no Sociology, 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). Please remember: It's not about debating and trying to win - it's about listening to people and working collaboratively to increase our collective understanding. **Community** Follow us on instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/londonphilosophycollective/](https://www.instagram.com/londonphilosophycollective/) We have a WhatsApp group if you'd like to continue these conversations between meetings. 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, answer the joining question and we will add you to the main chat. **Say Thanks** If you would like to help support Philosophy in the Park you can buy me a coffee here: [https://buymeacoffee.com/philosophyjoel](https://buymeacoffee.com/philosophyjoel)

**🥾Hike Details** **• Distance:** 22 km **• Hiking Time:** Approx. 5.5 hours **• Grade:** Moderate **• Ascent:** 330 m **• Pace:** Steady with breaks for lunch and photos **• Cost:** £30 per person (includes guided Hike & return train tickets) **👣 Hike Description** This rewarding circular hike along the **beautiful Greensand Ridge,** just south of the North Downs. This route offers a perfect mix of woodland, **open valley**, and sweeping viewpoints. Along the way, we’ll enjoy striking contrasts between the lush **Darent Valley**, panoramic views across to the North Downs. We begin across **Limpsfield Common**, a peaceful National Trust landscape, before heading through the charming Darent Valley and climbing onto the wooded heights of **Crockhamhill Common**. From there, we loop toward **Chartwell, the historic family home of Winston Churchill,** where we’ll catch glimpses of the house and its surrounding countryside. The route continues through **Hosey Common,** a diverse 64-hectare woodland of broadleaved trees, and onward to **High Chart** and parts of the Titsey Estate and Squerryes Park. We then cross back over our outward path at **Limpsfield Chart** and return via more scenic sections of Limpsfield Common. Our walk finishes in the picturesque **village of Limpsfield,** known for its well-preserved historic buildings, before heading back to Oxted. **🌟Highlights:** * Panoramic views across the **North Downs and High Weald** * Peaceful **woodland trails** and open countryside * Scenic Darent Valley section * **Glimpses of Chartwell, Churchill’s historic home** * Diverse habitats across **Hosey Common and High Chart** * Charming finish through the historic village of Limpsfield **📍⏰Meeting Point & Time** **Location:** London Bridge Rail Station next to main ticket office **Depart:** Meet us 08:45 am, we leave 09:05 am for 10:01 am train **Return:** 05:32 pm Back in London Bridge(commitment required until then). **Your guide:** Raj – local trail expert and experienced group leader **On-the-day contact:** 07788 839784 (available on hike day only) **🎒What to Bring** \- Sturdy hiking boots \- Water & packed lunch/snacks \- Weather\-appropriate clothing \(layers\, windbreaker\) \- Sun protection \(hat\, sunscreen\) \- Optional: camera\, walking poles **What not included:** Food and drinks, personal insurance, and any personal expenses. **By booking and attending this event, you agree to our [Terms and Conditions](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ATwisQ4GPE0KszBmFVy8wK4thfCKKlGF/view?usp=sharing)** **© 2026 Outdoorly Adventures Ltd. All rights reserved**

**🏛️ WHAT'S PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY ABOUT?** Practical Philosophy is a weekly meet-up that brings critical thinkers together for an opportunity to dive deep on a topic, practice communicating, and building a community. All with no ‘official’ philosophy knowledge required! 😎 Practical Philosophy is based on the idea that philosophy should be accessible to all, and not something reserved only for academics. Each week we choose a topic, and the goal is to use the conversation to develop our critical thinking and communication as we explore that topic. The goal is to help develop our Critical Thinking, Communication, and Community 🙌 📓 **HOW DOES IT WORK?** Each week, we pick one topic and discuss it. The topic for the week is shared, generally in the [Whatsapp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B6fqS6HGujq8gb3a0kl5pS), along with jump-off points to get the conversation going. When groups get bigger than 7-8 people, it’s important that we break into smaller groups. This way we are able to maintain a conversational flow as opposed to having our meetups feel like a discourse or lecture. **General Meeting Agenda** Each Practical Philosophy meet-up follows this general timeline: * 14:00-14.15 - People arrive and chat, get to know each other before the ‘official' start. * 14:15-14:20 - Meeting introduction, explanation of Practical Philosophy and the topic for the week, read the guidelines and the overview so attendees know what to expect in terms of timelines. * 14:20-15:20 - Break into small groups - introduce yourselves and general thoughts on the topic, open discussion afterwards. At this point the group can review the ‘jump-off’ questions as needed, but they are just there to help guide the conversation. It’s not obligatory to answer them. * 15:20-15:30 - We do a group conclusion of the things we discussed, and then we typically take a photo and go on our way :) If you don't want to be in the group photo, there's no pressure, it's just a way to close out the meeting. We occasionally have an unofficial social so the different groups can mingle afterwards too! **🧧PRICING?** Practical Philosophy Club is FREE to attend, and we operate on donations. If you'd like to donate to support our running costs, that helps keep our group self-sustaining. Donations are 100% voluntary, but your contribution is appreciated! QR codes to donate will be present. Tea’s and coffees and are paid by the individual should they wish to have them. **💛 WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY** 🗣 “I feel like Philosophy Club helps someone build their own belief system through a series of perspectives while not promoting what’s right and wrong” - Ekam 🗣 “I got hooked from day 1 (the topic was authority) and felt it was the right place for me. I feel it is a place where people can go to learn and discuss new perspectives and increase critical thinking and community by interacting with people who might challenge your point of views but at the same time encourage you to have openness and mind flexibility.” - Daniel **🤓 FAQ** * What will we talk about? What's the topic? The topic for the week is shared every week in the Whatsapp group before the session. We try to add the topic to the comment section on this event page as well but if you don’t see it, the topic and the jump-off points will be in our [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B6fqS6HGujq8gb3a0kl5pS). * Do I need to study or read anything to attend? No preparation is necessary. This isn’t a study of other thinkers. We want to know what YOU think about the topic, not what an old philosopher thought. If you have a perspective from a religion or a school of thought to share, throw it on the table and we’ll discuss it, but it's not required. * Is there a specific philosophy that Practical Philosophy is focused on? The goal of our meet-ups is to not have dogmatic discussions, and flex our critical thinking muscles. Because of this, we want to hear from every realm of thought, and don't study a particular school. * Is it mostly men that attend? Surprisingly, no! Although philosophy is seen as a Candelabra affair in a dark room with a bunch of guys, our Practical Philosophy meetups are generally 50/50 between genders, and we don’t meet in any dark rooms. * Can I come alone? Of course you can, we encourage it :) * Can I be late? Please don't be! We do have a 15 minute grace period where we allow people to funnel in while we hang out, but after that if you arrive too late, it disrupts the flow of the conversation. * Where do you meet? The location is posted in Meetup and our [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B6fqS6HGujq8gb3a0kl5pS) group for this location. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you join the Whatsapp group! If you want to know what other cities have a Practical Philosophy Club, you can see our chapters on our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/practical-philosophy-locations/). 🤝**POLICY** To respect our members privacy, we ask that no one privately message a member without first getting explicit consent. (This looks like speaking in person and being asked to message privately.) Contacting or texting other participants without prior consent is not permitted and may result in removal from the group. Practical Philosophy reserves the right to enforce this policy at its discretion to maintain a safe and respectful environment. **PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY - Making Philosophy Available To All.** ✨ Practical Philosophy hosts weekly, in-person meetups in 25+ countries, including Canada, Spain, Japan, Mexico and many more! 🗺️ \*\*\* Join our [Whatsapp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B6fqS6HGujq8gb3a0kl5pS) 👈 Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/practicalphilosophyclub/?hl=en) 👈 Our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club) 👈

🚨 Spoiler alert: We built the space we couldn’t find. A place where you show up alone, say hi first, and meet new people naturally. We celebrate the curious and the hungry—if you’re ready to expand your circle, you’re in the right place. Ps. You can check us out on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/_balancers/)🚨 Looking for a fun, creative and relaxed way to spend your Saturday? Join us for an evening where **art meets social connection**. Before we start painting, we’ll kick things off with a **short interactive activity designed to get everyone talking and comfortable with each other**. It’s a fun way to warm up and meet other attendees before the brushes come out. **Then it’s time to paint.** Daniel will guide you through the basics step by step, but you’re also free to freestyle your own creation. No experience needed. By the end of the night you’ll leave with your own canvas. 👕 **Dress code:** something comfy that you don’t mind getting a bit of paint on. Tickets are **£15**, or **£12 if you book through our app**: [https://onelink.to/balancers](https://onelink.to/balancers) If you’ve earned **coins at past events**, you can also use them towards your ticket. Your ticket also includes access to our **main social at 8:30pm in the same venue**, so feel free to stay for more good vibes afterwards. Come for the creativity, stay for the people. 💬 Join our WhatsApp Community for any last-minute updates. [https://chat.whatsapp.com/GMJfgSat7ypEzgtblAkNLS](https://chat.whatsapp.com/GMJfgSat7ypEzgtblAkNLS) **Refund Policy:** We provide full refunds for cancellations made at least 48 hours before the event starts time. This allows us adequate time to adjust logistics and offer spots to other interested attendees. To request a refund, simply contact us via the app or email with your registration details. *Remember, our pillars are Openness, Respect, Kindness and Authenticity.* *Attendance at this event is subject to our [Code of Conduct](https://www.balancers.app/code-of-conduct) and [Terms of Service](https://www.balancers.app/term-of-service). By joining, you may receive emails about Balancers events and community updates. You can unsubscribe at any time.*

Do you have spare books lying around your home? Do you want to read new interesting books for free while socializing with interesting people? This is the event for you. We will enjoy nice drinks and snacks together at a beautiful lounge bar in London. You can bring your books and exchange them with whoever has the books you want to read. Since this is a Science and Philosophy book club, it would be great for you to bring non-fiction books that are insightful and thought-provoking. If you want to bring fiction books that are scientifically or philosophically insightful, feel free to bring those as well. Since it is a social event, I encourage everyone to make deep meaningful conversations and make new friends. You can come alone or bring your friends with you. If you come alone, there is no need to be shy or scared. I will welcome you and introduce you to cool interesting people to speak with. Also feel free to come even if you forget to bring any books.

Hi everyone! If you like to play modern board, card and dice games, and to meet new people, then join us for these online game sessions for as long as you like The host will bring the games (though is open to playing your own if you have them) and will teach you how to play them if you don't know already. All you need is an online computer or tablet with a modern web browser, front-facing camera and microphone. You work late? No worries - you can come along any time. Please write in the comments what time you expect to be available from, so we can try to avoid anyone having to wait alone for long. We are a relaxed and friendly group, made up of both natives and foreigners, of locals and those living further afield, happy to welcome newbies and regulars. Events are free to attend, but if you would like to contribute towards the costs of running of this group, feel free to buy the host(s) a drink of their choice, for which they'd be very grateful. This saves money that can be put towards the Meetup subscription fees and buying the games that we all play. Don't forget to join our group on Facebook for games news, articles, memes, gossip and banter: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Tabletop.Gamers.London.Docklands

What philosophical dilemmas/deep questions have been living in your mind rent free lately?

You want to do your best! You want to realise your potential! You want to make the right decisions at the right time! Obviously- you want to be a success! Do you have all the skills in place? Do you have areas in your life or personality that are weaker and you feel can stop you or hold you back? Would you like a free personal consultation to help locate your strengths and weaker areas? We can help you to maximise on your potential. If you would like a free 1 hour consult then register now! We have various times available for your own personal consultation This is hosted at the Scientology Life Improvement Centre in London. We use the Oxford Capacity Analysis test. https://www.scientology-london.org.uk/personality-test/

Step away from the online ads and join Offline Women Going Thrifting. Modern shopping is often fast and wasteful, so we are heading out to find a better way. Thrifting is an act of resistance against a system that wants us to keep buying new things. Every item we buy second-hand is one less thing in a landfill, thousands of liters of water saved and supports a charity at the same time. In Charity Shops we can find pieces that were made to last, high-quality fabrics and timeless styles that haven't been dictated by an algorithm. We will meet outside the **Octavia Foundation** in Pimlico (where fashion insiders go), just a few minutes from Victoria Station. We will tuck away our devices before exploring the cluster of around eight charity shops nearby. Please bring a reusable bag and your best eye for hidden gems. Come as you are and leave with unique finds and a lighter footprint on the earth. P.S. Thank you, Angie, for suggesting this wonderful idea. Follow us on [WhatsApp](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbCZyvCD38CTaXBpQ72V) to get early tickets for our upcoming events.

In this live and in-person seminar you will have an opportunity to explore how you could possibly improve YOUR self-confidence. How does a lack of confidence affect you? Is it in personal relationships? In the professional arena? In meeting new people in social groups? Or just within yourself and having your own confidence to do what you would really like? This seminar is geared toward you. Come and discover what could be a real boost for you! Personal interviews are offered and personal recommendations can be made to assist you in life. The seminar is presented to you by an experienced life improvement consultant from the Church of Scientology London. All references are taken from the works of L Ron Hubbard.

SCIENTOLOGY **TOOLS** **FOR LIFE** What if you had simple tools which you could use to improve your relationship with others? What if a step-by-step procedure could help you achieve your goals in life? What if you could learn the secret to mastering any subject you wanted to master? Come and find out!

**Marking Loneliness Awareness Week** So many of us struggle with feelings of loneliness. It’s a global epidemic that really affects our wellbeing. Well, no matter how many people we’re surrounded by and connected to, we can still feel emotionally isolated and disconnected. This seminar will help you understand how to: * manage your feelings of loneliness and get better at being alone * build meaningful connections and feel more seen, heard and valued **This is a free 60-minute in-person seminar.** **If you would like to make a voluntary donation, please click** [here.](https://www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/ "https://www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/") \* I consent to my submitted data being collected and stored. We will process your personal data in line with the GDPR requirements and always store it securely and use it only for the purpose for which it has been collected. We will not pass on your details to any third parties without your consent.

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

MCKS PRANIC HEALING® Level I In PRANIC HEALING® Level 1, you learn the basics of working with your energy aura, including learning to "scan," or feel the energy, to "sweep," or clean away congested energy, and to "energize," or supplement areas in your aura that have a pranic deficiency. PRANIC HEALING® has been taught to doctors, nurses, massage therapists, acupuncturists, chiropractors, shiatsu practitioners, and many others in the healing field. It has allowed them to heal confidently and consistently in the shortest learning time possible. These professionals find PRANIC HEALING® very effective and easy to apply. Other topics covered in PRANIC HEALING® Level 1: Energetic anatomy: You will learn to work with the network of chakras, meridians and auras to accelerate the healing processes of your body. Preventive healing: You will learn to remove the negative energetic patterns of a disease to prevent it from fully manifesting as a physical ailment. Self-Pranic healing: You will learn to apply these healing techniques to accelerate your own healing. Step-by-step techniques for ailments related to your: respiratory system, e.g., asthma,; circulatory system, e.g., heart ailments; gastrointestinal system, e.g., irritable bowel syndrome; musculoskeletal system, e.g., arthritis and back pain; reproductive system, e.g., menstrual problems. You'll also learn how to address common problems as migraines and sinusitis. Additionally, you'll learn to apply distant healing to loved ones who are not present in the room with you. All PRANIC HEALING® courses are "experiential," which means that you learn by actually performing the techniques and exercises in class - on yourself and those around you. During class, all the principles will be explained thoroughly and you will practice the techniques exhaustively so you will be confident in your ability to produce positive results when you finish the course. This is Day 2 of 2 Attendance at day one is required to attend day 2. The Course text book is Choa Kok Sui, "Miracles through Pranic Healing" Please bring this with you to class. PRANIC HEALING® Level 1 is a prerequisite to all other GMCKS courses. For those interested to review the class...Review fee is only $75!! LOOK AT THIS!! Review for FREE when you bring a new student to class with you.

We will be marching again this summer at Pride. Come ready to show your Pride and stand-up for every human's right to love, respect, and family! * **Step-off:** 10:30AM * **Route:** High Street from the Capital to Goodale Park Update: We are meeting at Bob Leonhard's house. You can park your car there and we will carpool to the parade. This will eliminate you finding parking in the city and excessive walking. You SHOULD BE AT BOB'S HOUSE BY 8:45 a.m.! We will leave for the parade at 9:15 am sharp! Bob's address: 2858 Thorndale Avenue, Columbus, OH 43207 If you have questions, his number is 614-301-7436

How do we recover from having had a toxic or narcissistic ex? How do we move on from the past, especially something as traumatic as a divorce or breakup? How do we avoid anxiety and depression? How do we have more self esteem? In this meeting, you will learn the mental health secrets to help you quickly get over the past and heal your mind. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics & Scientology life improvement center.

**Welcome to the Women’s Columbus Bogleheads® Sub-Group** This sub-group is for **women who want to learn and discuss finances in a safe, supportive space**. For those interested in moving towards financial independence and retirement by learning investment basics, choosing your 401(k) investments, minimizing taxes, and more. We’re a local chapter of **Bogleheads®**, following a long-term, practical investment philosophy: [Investment Philosophy](https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy): https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy [Bogleheads Forum](https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php): https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php No question is too small, and no experience is too simple. Share, ask, and learn — at your own pace, without judgment, in a group of like-minded women. Let’s build confidence and knowledge **together**!

This is a free in-person meeting. Let's talk about relationships in such a way that you can really benefit from the knowledge. We can talk about * Soulmates * How to start a relationship * How to maintain a relationship * How to pick the right partner * How to recognize the red flags * How to improve communication * How to avoid argument and fights * How to increase trust You ask the questions, we'll talk about them. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is sponsored the Dianetics & Scientology Self-Improvement Center.

A time to make signs, pack swag bags, and have fun together in anticipation for the Pride festivities the week after.