Ayn Rand

ATTEND IN PERSON OR ON ZOOM **NB This event will now take place at the Café of [St. Hilda's East Community Centre](https://www.google.com/maps/@51.5244243,-0.0746385,17z?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkwNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), 18 Club Row, London E2 7EY. The nearest station (just a few minutes walk) is [Shoreditch High Street](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Shoreditch+High+Street/@51.5237626,-0.0741518,16.75z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x48761cb7237e45d3:0x832e68d6f5c3b9b0!8m2!3d51.5232573!4d-0.0754661!16s%2Fg%2F1hhvv83t7?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkwNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) (Overground).** We can go back to the earliest beginnings of the Western philosophical tradition to find references to what we might call “common sense”. Heraclitus states that “thinking is common to all”. However, this seemingly optimistic statement is soon qualified by his lament that people don’t understand, and therefore don’t recognise the importance of, his own philosophical message: they clearly don’t think well enough. The lights are on but no-one’s home, he seems to say. But is he really disappointed at the poor quality of common thought or because others don’t think like him? So, yes, we all think, but what is it that is really shared? What is common about common sense, if it exists at all? In my talk at Kant’s Cave I would like to explore with you the possible meanings, uses and value of the idea of “common sense”. We will discuss thinkers from Kant and Voltaire to Gadamer and Hannah Arendt. Event video teaser [here](https://youtube.com/shorts/edZEjrKHKnQ?si=3K0G7Mj1rNoHeVjE) **Dr. Anja Steinbauer** is a London-based philosopher, Sinologist, and the President of [Philosophy For All (PFA)](https://pfalondon.org/). Passionate about making philosophy vibrant and accessible to everyone, she has dedicated her career to public philosophy, pioneering engaging formats that bridge academic thought with everyday life. She is an editor for *[Philosophy Now](https://philosophynow.org/about)*[ magazine](https://philosophynow.org/about) and lecturer at the [London School of Philosophy](https://uk.linkedin.com/in/anja-steinbauer-27966344). This event is sponsored by the Royal institute of Philosophy. For the full programme of events pls see [pfalondon.org](http://pfalondon.org)

**📅 Book your time here:** [www.betheband.org/book-online](http://www.betheband.org/book-online) 📍 **Exact location sent after booking** 🎸 **BetheBand Meet & Greet – Come Play & Say Hi** 🎤 Curious what it’s like to be in a band again? BetheBand is a London-based music programme for amateur to intermediate musicians who want to rehearse regularly, improve as players, and perform live — **without the hassle of organising bands, rehearsal rooms, or gigs yourself**. 🤝 **What’s the meet & greet?** This is a relaxed introduction — **not an audition**. You’ll play **one song** with a backing track alongside one of our band directors 🎶 You can **play whatever you like**, or choose from a **short song list** if you want some inspiration 📃 It’s friendly and low-pressure — just a chance for us to get to know your level, taste, and goals, and for you to see if BetheBand feels right for you. 🚀 **What happens if you join?** 🎯 Matched with musicians at your level 🏙️ Weekly rehearsals in a central London studio 🎼 Guided by a professional musician as your band director 🎤 Perform a full live set for friends & family at the end of an 8-week term 🎶 **Who it’s for** 🎸 Guitarists • 🎸 Bassists • 🎤 Vocalists • 🥁 Drummers • 🎹 Keyboard players ℹ️ **Practical details** 📍 Central London (address sent after sign-up) 💷 £15 meet & greet slot (non-refundable) ⏳ Limited slots — book a time that works for you If you’ve been playing on your own and miss making music *with* people, this is an easy, no-pressure way to take the first step 🎶✨

We often think of acting as something that happens on stage — but what if performance is part of everyday life? What if, in some sense, we are always performing? This session explores the idea that while acting may be occasional, performance could be constant, raising questions about the roles we play, how they shape our sense of self, and the rituals that may help us process emotion and experience a sense of catharsis. From the roles we take on at work and in relationships, to the rituals that shape moments like weddings, funerals, and public events, much of what we do follows shared scripts and expectations. But does this mean we are simply playing roles — or is there something more to the self beneath them? How aware are we of the roles we inhabit — and what difference, if any, is there between acting and everyday performance? The idea for this evening’s event comes from the following discussion. You might like to listen to it in advance — it may give you a bit more to reflect on going into the conversation: [https://iai.tv/video/the-philosophy-of-performance-michelle-terry](https://iai.tv/video/the-philosophy-of-performance-michelle-terry) The session will begin with a short introduction (around 10 minutes) to set out the key ideas. After that, the emphasis is on discussion and participation. The aim is to create a space where ideas can be explored together, with time for questions, reflection, and open conversation. No prior knowledge is needed — just curiosity and a willingness to think together. **Where:** Downstairs room, Square Pig, Holborn (private room) **NB:** The event begins at 7pm, doors open at 6:50pm. Event ends at 9pm **Format:** 10-minute intro talk → vote on questions → small-group discussions → share insights with the whole room **Discounts:** If cost is a barrier, we want to make the session as accessible as possible. If you are a student, unemployed, or on a low income, please feel free to send me a direct message to get a reduced-price place. **Refunds:** If you are unable to attend and would like a refund, please send me a direct message at least 48 hours before the event. Unfortunately, I’m not able to offer refunds for cancellations made after this point, as it becomes difficult to reallocate places at short notice.

**For our next London meet-up on the 1st of June we have teamed up with CAAT (Campaign Against Arms Trade).** Join us to discuss the role of Big Tech companies in the military-industrial complex, Palantir, and how technologies that we use every day are being deployed in wars and genocides. We will be also talking about what Tech alternatives exist, how we can move away from these Big Tech companies, and how we can fight back for our digital independence. **Sign up here:** [https://supporters.openrightsgroup.org/civicrm/event/info/?reset=1&id=14](https://supporters.openrightsgroup.org/civicrm/event/info/?reset=1&id=14)

Ready to turn your weekly workout into an adventure? RunBox Westminster is officially open for 2026! Proudly presented by the Westminster International Learning Academy, our programme blends fitness with fascinating storytelling. We don’t just pass by the sights; we dive into the history of the city's most iconic symbols, from Big Ben to the secret courts time forgot. Why RunBox? Expert Insight: Historical tours led with a fresh perspective. Inclusive Pace: Dedicated groups for both runners and walkers. Weekly Community: A new route and a new story every week Snack Included

\#\#\#\# Step 1: TAKE THE TEST The Oxford Capacity Analysis identifies 10 vital personality traits that influence your entire future. It is a factual, scientific analysis taken from your answers, and it takes about an hour to complete. \#\#\#\# Step 2: GET YOUR RESULTS After you complete the test, your personality analysis is generated and displayed. Within minutes your analysis will highlight your strengths and weaknesses—which personality traits to take advantage of and which need help. \#\#\#\# Step 3: CONSULTATION While the analysis graph shows distinct personality traits, it is the interrelationship of these traits that provides the greater picture of your personality. We provide a complimentary consultation with one of our trained staff, who will give a detailed evaluation of your personality analysis. In this one-on-one consultation, you gain a better understanding of your personality strengths and weaknesses, and establish the recommended path to your fast and lasting success.

The café will be open on Thursdays between 23rd April 2026 and 2nd July 2026 - but will not be open on 28th May 2026. \*\* There will also be a **FREE ENGLISH CLASS** for 40 minutes - from 7pm to 7:40pm. \*\* The café offers the chance to practise your English in a friendly atmosphere, where you can meet and make friends. Thursdays, 7:30pm - 9:00pm at Dundonald Church 577 Kingston Road Raynes Park SW20 8SA It is organised by local Christians and during the evening there will be a simple meal and a short talk. facebook.com/raynespark.int.cafe

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

**IN PERSON SEMINAR - RIPENESS IS ALL–ACCEPTING OUR KARMA,** **TRANSFORMING OUR KARMA** **with Andrew Welburn** Shakespeare like others saw destiny at work in the real as in his imagined world in *Hamlet*. But Rudolf Steiner is one of the few spiritual teachers who gives us help in how to deal consciously with what life brings. Taking destiny seriously need neither be a crushing fate nor a maniacal power trip. In fact it may also be a matter of seeing what karma holds for others and helping them find their way - a new dimension of Christianity under the guidance of the new Lord of Karma. Steiner is one of the fullest modern guides to understanding the mysterious pattern of life. ***Andrew Welburn has been an academic in the fields of English Literature and biblical interpretation and history. A life-long Anthroposophist, he has written several books on Steiners’ philosophy, esotericism, and Christianity, and on the prophet Zarathustra.*** All Welcome, No Need to Book, No Charge. This event will not be recorded. DONATIONS There is no charge for online or face to face events, except for Workshops involving extra cost. Voluntary donations towards our overheads are gratefully received and can be made either by Paypal or by Bank Transfer to a Nationwide account held for this purpose: PAYPAL: to SUE PEAT at suejoanpeat@gmail.com BANK TRANSFER: ACCOUNT NAME: ADRIAN HOTTEN ACCOUNT NO: 31466776 SORT CODE: 07-01-16 Many thanks.

Improve your Mandarin and English while making new friends! Join [Manhattan Mandarin](ManhattanMandarin.co.uk) at the [Jackalope](https://jackalopelondon.com/) in Marylebone - appropriately situated above a Chinese restaurant, [Liu Xiao Mian](https://www.liu-xiaomian.com/). All levels welcome - these are **very casual** meetups where you're welcome to mingle until finding suitable language partners Pop down for noodles or stay outside in the lovely mews, but whatever you do, come ready to chat, make great new connections, and push your language learning forward 🤗🤗🤗 You're welcome to try our HSK Classes in Marylebone: [https://www.manhattanmandarin.co.uk/hskclasses](https://www.manhattanmandarin.co.uk/hskclasses) or our Saturday online HSK classes: [https://www.manhattanmandarin.co.uk/onlineclasses](https://www.manhattanmandarin.co.uk/onlineclasses) For more information please contact Harry@ManhattanMandarin.com, 07767260207) Since 2012, with a fantastic team of over 200 native and non-native Mandarin teachers in the US and UK, [Manhattan Mandarin](ManhattanMandarin.com) knows what makes for fun and engaging communication between English and Chinese speakers!

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

Black Swan is a 2010 American psychological horror thriller film directed by Darren Aronofsky from a screenplay by Mark Heyman, John McLaughlin, and Andres Heinz, based on a story by Heinz. The film stars Natalie Portman in the lead role, with Vincent Cassel, Mila Kunis, Barbara Hershey, and Winona Ryder in supporting roles. The plot revolves around a production of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake by the company of New York City Ballet. The production requires a ballerina to play the innocent and fragile White Swan, for which the committed dancer Nina Sayers (Portman) is a perfect fit, as well as the dark and sensual Black Swan, which are qualities better embodied by the new rival Lily (Kunis). Nina is overwhelmed by a feeling of immense pressure when she finds herself competing for the role, causing her to lose her tenuous grip on reality and descend into madness. The film received five nominations at the 83rd Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director (Aronofsky), with Portman winning Best Actress; it also received four nominations at the 68th Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Director (Aronofsky), with Portman winning Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama. In 2021, Portman's performance was included in The New Yorker's list of the best film performances of the 21st century. Please note we will not be showing the film at the meeting. Make sure you watch the film before you attend and then come and join in with the conversation. It’s just a discussion. It’s not a screening. We will be meeting in The Ludski Bar in the Rio Cinema. [https://www.riocinema.org.uk/your-visit/](https://www.riocinema.org.uk/your-visit/) You are welcome to bring outside food in with you but please buy your drinks from inside the cinema. Thank you. ... To join the All Out of Bubblegum Film Club WhatsApp Group please click here: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/J2to1MBd4Ct7kQTFFVnyML](https://chat.whatsapp.com/J2to1MBd4Ct7kQTFFVnyML) (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). Meetup charges subscription fees. If you would like to make a donation please click here: [https://paypal.me/philosophycollective](https://paypal.me/philosophycollective) You can also find the All Out of Bubblegum Film Club here: [https://www.meetup.com/alloutofbubblegumfilmclub/](https://www.meetup.com/alloutofbubblegumfilmclub/) We hope to see you soon.

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!

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.

Do you want more motivation and confidence to build Lasting Relationships? This is a free, in-person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships. Are you burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival, while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This class is held at the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center.

If you are interested in selecting investment choices for your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan, minimizing your income tax liability, or identifying the most effective investments for your brokerage account, we are the group for you. We are a local chapter of Bogleheads, whose investment strategy can be found here: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy Or you can peruse the Boglehead forum here: https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php I look forward to seeing you there. Mark Vonder Haar