Crypto-Anarchy

It's open gaming night again! Come alone (or with friends) and meet some new people to game with. Just look for the 'Open Gaming' table(s) and feel free to sit in. We'll keep the games pretty light, so if you don't know many games, don't feel intimidated. Instruction is always available. (70,- gaming fee still applies)

Design se mění. Designéři dnes píšou kód, dělají PR, shipují featury. AI nástroje změnily to, co je reálně možné zvládnout sám. A hranice mezi designem a engineeringem se stírá rychleji, než stíháme přepisovat job descriptiony. Design engineering není o tom, že designér trochu umí kód. Je to posun v tom, kde design končí a co všechno může ovlivnit. UX Monday 13. dubna je o tom, jak to vypadá v praxi. Žádné teorie, spíše živé ukázky designérů, kteří tím žijí každý den. **Dva speakeři, dva reálné setupy, dvě živé ukázky:** 🎤 **[Jakub Šalmík](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakubsalmik/)** \- Design Engineer @**[Duvo.ai](Duvo.ai)** 🎤 **[Albert Zikmund](https://www.linkedin.com/in/albertzikmund/)** \- Designer @**[Pencil.dev](Pencil.dev)** Přijďte se podívat, jak vypadá budoucnost designu dnes. Hosted by **[Michal Strnadel](https://www.linkedin.com/in/michal-strnadel/)**. ❗️**Zpět v původních prostorách MSD:** Na Valentince · Praha 5-Smíchov❗️ \*\*\* **Program:** **18:00** – Otevření dveří, občerstvení, networking **18:30** – Začátek programu **20:00** – Pokračujeme neformálně v hospodě Potrefená Husa na Verandách. \*\*\* **Vstupné je dobrovolné** \- platba je možná na transparentní účet Asociace UX **2202638327/2010** nebo pomocí QR kódu na místě.

Hi all! My name is Cara, and I am a native English speaker from America living in Prague. This a meet up for t**hose learning English as a second language** and want the **opportunity to practice**. It will be a fun and relaxed setting where we will play games to **promote English conversations** or have some kind of activity. This club will meet **every other (two Mondays each month) Monday evening.** The goal is for each person to walk away having learned new English words and have more confidence when speaking in English. Please, bring some money if you want to purchase a coffee from Evento. **This event is sponsored by a church.** The church that sponsors this English meet up is **Církev bratrská, Bohnice** [https://www.cbbohnice.cz](https://www.cbbohnice.cz/) . We want to live lives that are reflective of Jesus. Like Jesus we want to help others in meeting a practical need, in this case that would be speaking in English. At the end of the English club, we will extend an invite to anyone who is interested in exploring faith, wants to know more about Jesus, or wants to meet up to read from the Bible. However, we will never trick you into attending and will always be honest about the content of our meetings. *You do not have to attend religious events to be a part of English Club.*

Who can attend this meetup: The tour is an introduction to Prague and is mainly for expats and visitors to our city but everybody who would like to join is invited. ***Important***, please also fill in the booking form on our [website](https://freewalkingtourprague.eu/en/schedule) if you are planning to come (otherwise we will not expect you). Description: Meet us by the Powder Tower, the historical gate to the Old Town and starting point of the Royal Route. Then have an educative walk through the narrow and picturesque streets of the historical center of Prague. Enjoy the unique diversity of architectural styles from Gothic to Art Nouveau. See some of the most interesting sites and get to know fascinating facts and legends of the 1000-year old capital of Bohemia. End the tour at the riverside 5 minutes away from the Charles Bridge, from which you can continue the tour on your own (or again with us) towards Malá Strana or Prague Castle. ====== Meeting point: We will be standing by the Powder Tower at the side of the Namestí Republiky square with a green umbrella in hand :) Map: https://goo.gl/maps/tzqKpZ2945S2 Price: there is no fixed price, you will be able to decide yourself how much you value the tour. If you don't know how much is best (and can afford it) we recommend 200Kč, but it really depends on you how much you contribute. Join us also on our [Facebook profile](https://www.facebook.com/freewalkingtoursprague/) :) and if you are travelling to other cities check out our friends at the [Free Tour Community website](https://freetourcommunity.com/). For any questions, please contact us at info@freewalkingtourprague.eu. Unfortunately, the meetup application does not always send us phone notifications. Reminder - only people who booked on our [official free walking tour website](https://freewalkingtourprague.eu/en/schedule) can join the tour and if the tour shows fully booked on the website it means there are no free spots. The meetup list doesn't count in this case. We look forward to meeting you, Michal, Amanda, Lana, Iva & Chris

**Looking for a fun way to meet new people in Prague?** Join us **every Monday** for our popular Karaoke & Beerpong Nights – a relaxed and international evening where Erasmus students, expats, and locals come together to unwind, sing their hearts out, and enjoy some friendly competition. We start at 21:00 and go till late! 🙏🏼 **💥 What’s Waiting for You** • 🎤 Karaoke – open mic all night long • 🏓 Free Beerpong – we’ll get you some free beer for the game 🍺 • 🎧 DJ playing international hits • 😌 Relaxed atmosphere – no pressure, just good vibes • 🌍 Meet internationals & Erasmus students from all over Whether you’re here to play, sing, or just vibe, it’s the perfect way to connect and kick back midweek. **👋 Who’s It For?** • Internationals, expats, & travellers • Anyone who enjoys karaoke, games, and social nights out **🎟️ How It Works** ✅ Entry is free – just come :) 🍻 Free beerpong (yes, we provide beer for the game) 💬 Solo or with friends – everyone’s welcome This event is co-organised with **Erasmus in Prague** 📸 Instagram: [@erasmusinprague](https://www.instagram.com/erasmusinprague?igsh=eXdkNWJvdXZuZXJt&utm_source=qr) 💬 Join our [International WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FF9tF0cqyeJHkFd6krTczW?mode=ems_copy_h_t) 🔁 Recurring Weekly Event 😊 Same time, same place, every Monday 💙

**Looking for a fun way to meet new people in Prague?** Join us every Monday for our famous **Karaoke & Beerpong Mondays**– a relaxed and international evening where Erasmus students, expats, and locals come together to unwind, sing their hearts out, and enjoy some friendly competition. We start at 21:00 and go till late! (1-2am)🙏🏼 **💥 What’s Waiting for You** • 🎤 Karaoke – open mic all night long withh a DJ in between • 🏓 Free Beerpong – we’ll get you some free beer for the game 🍺 • 😌 Relaxed atmosphere – no pressure, just good vibes • 🌍 Meet internationals & Erasmus students from all over Whether you’re here to play, sing, or just vibe, it’s the perfect way to connect and kick back midweek. **👋 Who’s It For?** • Erasmus students • Internationals, expats, locals & travellers • Anyone who enjoys karaoke, games, and social nights out **🎟️ How It Works** ✅ Entry is free – just come :) 🍻 Free beerpong (yes, we provide beer for the game) 💬 Solo or with friends – everyone’s welcome **🔗 Stay connected** 📸 Instagram: [@erasmusinprague](https://www.instagram.com/erasmusinprague?igsh=eXdkNWJvdXZuZXJt&utm_source=qr) 💬 Join our [International WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FF9tF0cqyeJHkFd6krTczW?mode=ems_copy_h_t) 🔁 Recurring Weekly Event Same time, same place – **every Monday** :) **Monday doesn't work?** You're in luck, we do the very same event **every Thursday in club FAMU**, among other meet-ups throughout the week! 😁

Learning Czech can be hard and demotivating, especially when studying alone. **This meetup is a shared study session where we come together to stay focused, motivated, and make progress — each in our own way.** This is a co-learning / co-studying session, not a class. There is no teacher, no lesson, and no study material provided. Everyone comes with their own resources and studies independently, in a shared environment. 🧠 **How it works** • We all bring our own material: • textbooks • homework from a Czech course • Duolingo or other apps • reading practice • vocabulary review, etc. • We mainly work individually • We are free to: • ask questions • help each other • share tips and resources • No teacher, no formal structure, no pressure 👥 **Who is it for?** • Czech learners of all levels • Non-Czech speakers (expats, internationals) • Czech native speakers are welcome if they want to help, but this is not a language exchange ⏱ **Practical info** • Location: Cafedu 12, Škrétova 490, 120 00 Praha 2 (Metro A and C, Muzeum station) • Duration: 2 hours, or less or more, as you want • Day & time: Monday, 18:00 • Group size: small group for now • Free event — please support the café by ordering a drink ☕ If you’re learning Czech and lack motivation when studying alone, come join us — let’s find it together 🙂

This month we bring you a seminar from the host of Prague's famous Cafe Philo, Albert Hoffman, entitled **“Paths in the Wood”**. In this seminar, we'll be exploring **the later writings of Martin Heidegger** where he explores **our relationship to time, connection to place, and the very question of what it means to exist**. The relationship between Heidegger and the Black Forest in south-western Germany, the landscape in which he produced many of his most famous works, was one of intense emotional and intellectual intimacy. From the small, three-room cabin–which he affectionately called "die Hütte”-- **the forest becomes a strong metaphor for a way of thinking that moves more slowly and attentively than the technological mindset of modernity.** Heidegger’s later philosophy shifts away from the technical language of Being and Time toward a more meditative style of thinking. **What does it mean to “dwell”? Why does Heidegger so often write about forests, paths, clearings, and huts? And what might these metaphors reveal about his critique of modern technological society?** Whether you are new to Heidegger or already familiar with his work, join us for a discussion of how philosophy can help us reconsider our relationship to nature, place, and the way we inhabit the world. \*\*\* We’ll have tea and light snacks, but please feel free to bring any drink or snack you’d like to share! This event will be hosted in an apartment with a well-trained dog who will be happy to meet you. If anyone has concerns about dogs, let me know so I can be mindful about keeping her from bothering you. The buzzer is Everett and Mainous—we’re on the 5th floor, apartment 16.

\#\# The Premise What if you could take any idea — half-baked, borrowed, ridiculous, too early, too late — and run it through a gauntlet of AI agents and sharp minds until it either becomes bulletproof or reveals exactly why it doesn't work? That's this meetup. \*\*The Hypothetical Agentic Unicorn Clinic\*\* is a structured, playful, and rigorous session where we take startup ideas — yours, someone else's, totally made up — and improve them in real time using agentic workflows, collective intelligence, and honest feedback. No judgment. No stakes. Just ideas getting better. \-\-\- \#\# Why "Hypothetical"? The hardest part of sharing an idea isn't the idea — it's the fear of being judged for having it. So we made it hypothetical. You're not pitching your life's work. You're not asking for funding. You're not committing to anything. You're running a \*\*thought experiment\*\*: \*What would it take for this idea to become a unicorn?\* That framing changes everything. When the idea is hypothetical, you can be honest. You can poke holes. You can say "this probably doesn't work because..." and someone else can say "unless you do X." You can disagree without it being personal. You can be wrong without it mattering. The best insights come when the stakes feel low enough to think clearly. Hypothetical Idea Submission Form https://form.typeform.com/to/CPRbn0RL \-\-\- \#\# What Actually Happens \*\*You bring an idea. Any idea.\*\* It could be: \- Something you've been sitting on but are afraid to say out loud \- A startup you saw and thought "that's almost right but\.\.\." \- A totally absurd concept you find interesting \- A real thing you're building and want to stress\-test anonymously \- Something an AI suggested to you that you couldn't stop thinking about \*\*We run it through the clinic.\*\* The group — with the help of AI agents — takes the idea through a structured improvement loop: 1\. \*\*Diagnosis\*\*: What's the actual insight here? What problem does this solve? 2\. \*\*Challenge\*\*: Where does this break? What assumptions is it making? 3\. \*\*Repair\*\*: How do we fix the broken parts without losing the core? 4\. \*\*Amplification\*\*: If this worked\, what would make it a unicorn? 5\. \*\*Verdict\*\*: Is it viable\, pivotable\, or dead on arrival — and why? Each round takes about 20 minutes. We run 4-6 ideas per session. \-\-\- \#\# The Role of AI Agents This is an agentic meetup — so agents do real work, not just window dressing. During the session, we'll use agents to: \- \*\*Research the market\*\* in real time: Is anyone building this? What does the landscape look like? \- \*\*Steelman the idea\*\*: Generate the strongest possible version of the argument for why this works \- \*\*Identify failure modes\*\*: Systematically surface the ways this breaks \- \*\*Propose pivots\*\*: Suggest modifications that preserve the core insight while fixing structural problems \- \*\*Draft a one\-pager\*\*: Turn the improved idea into a coherent pitch summary The agents accelerate the process and introduce angles the group might miss. The humans provide judgment, context, and the instinct for what actually matters. This is what governed agents with flexible orchestration looks like in practice — not automation replacing thinking, but amplifying it. Hypothetical Idea Submission Form https://form.typeform.com/to/CPRbn0RL \#\# Who Should Come You don't need to have a startup. You don't need to be a founder. You don't need to have the idea ready when you register. You should come if: \- You're curious about how AI agents can be used for real strategic thinking \- You want to practice the skill of rapid idea development and critique \- You enjoy building on other people's ideas and having yours built on \- You want to see agentic workflows in action\, not just hear about them \- You want to contribute to a room of builders who think seriously about ideas \*\*What we're looking for in participants:\*\* \- Technically literate enough to follow an agentic workflow \- Willing to be both generous and honest in feedback \- Comfortable with ambiguity and unfinished thinking \- Curious\, not defensive You don't have to be an expert. You have to be willing to think in public. \-\-\- \#\# Format & Practicalities \*\*Duration:\*\* 2-2.5 hours \*\*Format:\*\* In-person (Prague) with livestream option \*\*Ideas per session:\*\* 4–6 \*\*Each idea:\*\* \~20 minutes of structured clinic work \*\*Timeline:\*\* \- 18:00 — Doors open\, idea submissions collected \- 18:30 — Brief intro: the format\, the rules\, the spirit \- 18:45 — Clinic begins \(3–4 ideas\, 20 min each\) \- 20:15 — Open discussion: what did we learn? \- 20:30 — Drinks\, conversations\, follow\-ups \*\*How to submit an idea:\*\* Fill out a short form before the event (2 sentences max — idea + the core assumption). We select 3–4 ideas for the session. All submissions are treated with discretion. You can submit anonymously if you prefer. Hypothetical Idea Submission Form https://form.typeform.com/to/CPRbn0RL \#\# The Rules 1\. \*\*No bad ideas\.\*\* There are only ideas at different stages of development\. 2\. \*\*Critique the idea\, not the person\.\*\* "This doesn't work because X" not "you haven't thought this through\." 3\. \*\*Build before you destroy\.\*\* Steelman first\, then challenge\. 4\. \*\*Hypothetical protects everyone\.\*\* No one is committed to building what we discuss\. 5\. \*\*Confidentiality by default\.\*\* What's shared in the clinic stays in the clinic\. \-\-\- \#\# Why This Matters Most ideas die not because they're bad — but because the person holding them never found the right room to test them. The clinic is that room. It's also a live demonstration of what agentic tools can do for strategic thinking. Not AI replacing judgment, but AI extending it — doing the research, generating alternatives, stress-testing assumptions — so the humans in the room can focus on what they do best: connecting patterns, making calls, and knowing when something is worth pursuing. \*\*When execution becomes cheap, the premium moves to orientation.\*\* The clinic is practice for that skill.

Would you like to know more about the tantric approach and add more depth to your sexual life but don’t know where to start? Would you like to deepen the relationship with yourself or with your partner? Or maybe you just want to be able to talk about these topics openly with like-minded people? I created Eros Reading Circle because I believe erotica nowadays is very misunderstood. Fast satisfaction is the preferred way on societal level. There are plenty of negative emotions – shame, guilt, low self worth – attached to the topic of pleasure in the collective and also on the individual level. The past few years I dedicated to self-exploration and the broadening of my horizon when it comes to depths of pleasure and living the tantric approach. We gather every three weeks in a cozy tearoom in the heart of Prague (near I.P. Pavlova). You don’t need to join every time. You can attend only one session or more – each time we will cover a different topic. We don’t read full books. When you book your spot, you will receive an email with the text for the upcoming circle and 2-3 reflection prompts. We usually cover one chapter, 10 to 30 pages (written in English). You are asked to read the chapter before the session. All genders, singles and couples are welcome. Our readings explore erotica, pleasure, tantra, ecstasy, desire and the polarity of masculine and feminine energies. Some sessions focus on men’s sexuality, others on women’s, and some on pleasure as a whole. During each circle, we begin with a short grounding practice, share what resonated or didn’t, engage in discussion and end with a closing reflection. Eros Reading Circle is for you: - If you are desiring to have a more conscious sexual life - If you want to deepen your relationship to self (and to your partner) - If you would love to attract a partner who complements you - If you would like to connect and exchange ideas with like-minded people - If you want to experiment with new practices, try new things - If you would like to leave behind negative imprints attached to your sexuality - If you are interested to learn about pleasure from a more spiritual or philosophical aspect - If you have wondered what tantra is and how could you apply it in your own life - If you would love to join a circle of book lovers but can’t commit to reading long books When? 15th April, 19.00-21.30 Where? Čajovna Šamanka How much does it cost? 350 CZK Facebook event link: https://www.facebook.com/share/1SNqTudNch/?mibextid=wwXIfr You can book your spot after clicking the link below: https://buy.stripe.com/3cI3cuelraocf8T0rP5Ne07 If you cancel with more than 24 hours’ notice, you can reschedule within three months. Our topic will be: The Sexual Practices of Quodoushka - The teachings of the Nagual tribe. We will explore also the 9 female and 9 male genital anatomy types. I look forward to welcoming you in the circle <3

Filozofování o životě a o všem ostatním pro všechny, bez vstupného a bez přihlášky: Co si přejete, s čím si lámete hlavu, co Vás nenechá spát, o čem dumáte, o čem sníte, co Vám vrtá hlavou, čeho se bojíte, na co vzpomínáte, o čem přemýšlíte? Nenechte tyto věci jen pro sebe, zkuste rozhovor s jinými lidmi. U nás nejde jen o to, si popovídat, o to taky, ale to máte i jinde. U našeho stolu se pokusíme, spolu *filozofovat*. Nejdříve se dohodneme, jaké téma budeme diskutovat, a pak se do toho pustíme, budeme přemýšlet, rozmýšlet, promýšlet a zamýšlet se, až se nám z toho bude točit hlava, přitom nám budou podporou filozofové všech věků, abychom jí neztratili, tu hlavu. Ani byste nevěřili, jak filozofie může být osvěžující…

Calling all tabletop detectives and storytellers in Prague! Join us for an unforgettable evening of intrigue, deception, and drama at **KC Přístav 7**! Whether you're a seasoned social deduction pro or just curious to try something new, this event is perfect for everyone. Step into the mysterious village of Ravenswood Bluff, where no one is quite who they seem. Will you uncover the **Troublemaker**, protect the town as a **Good** character, or sow chaos as the **Evil**? Every round brings new twists, secret roles, and shocking revelations — perfect for friends old and new. No experience? No problem! We'll guide you through the rules, and you’ll be scheming, bluffing, and deducing in no time. **When:** Thursday, 19 March from 19:00 to 23:00 **Where:** KC Přístav 7 Mark your calendars, bring your wits, and get ready for a night of suspense, laughter, and unforgettable storytelling. Let the mystery begin! 🕵️‍♂️🕵️‍♀️

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **This is a curated, small-group meetup make new friends in Prague.** Each meetup brings together 4–6 like-minded people for casual conversations over brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to organize and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com](https://groupvibe.com) Once you register, and **buy a ticket or become a Groupvibe member**, we’ll share the exact location and match you with your group. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier \* Matching helps avoid awkward dynamics **Note:** RSVPs here on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. This meetup is organized by **Groupvibe**, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

**Talks:** **Úvodní představení Spark a PySpark** *by Ondřej Profant* Proč vznikl, co přináší a kdy ho použít, jaký má vztah k Databricks. Mimojiné se dozvíte o tom jak Amazon zasadil krutou ránu Oraclu. Přednáška je určena lidem, kteří tuto technologii neznají. Nejedná se o tutorial ani řešení zapeklitých DB query, ale o úvodní seznámení, abyste věděli, zda se touto technologii chcete zabývat hlouběji, popřípadě kdy se vám hodí. **Schedule** **18:30** – Doors open **19:00** – Talk “Úvodní představení Spark a PySpark” 19:45 – Lightning talks: add yours to [https://bit.ly/prpylight](https://bit.ly/prpylight) after 20:00 – Networking **Good to know** * You don’t have to register for this meetup – the actual attendance is much bigger (40–70 Pythonistas) than indicated in the “Going” list here. * **Cash only payments – club doesn’t accept cards.** * Talks at Pyvo are mostly in Czech but it there’s somebody who doesn’t understand Czech talks are switched to English if the speaker is able to do so. * Besides both soft drinks and beer it's possible to eat at the club. Choice is variable and consists of 4 to 7 options ranging from toast, sausages and soup to fried cheese in a bun, goulash or schnitzel. * Club closes at midnight.

ASH is Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of First Unitarian Universalists of Columbus Ohio TBD Snacks are usually available, and you are welcome to bringing something to share!

Our next much-awaited **COLUMBUS** meetup is **Tuesday April 21 from 7-10 pm EST at ACE OF CUPS**. Meet patients, cultivators, processors, dispensary managers/staff, physicians, home growers, educators, activists, nonprofits, artists, attorneys, business owners, writers, students, and supporters to network, share our knowledge, collaborate, support each other and make new ones! Hope you will be there too! Save the date and pass the word. **Please RSVP** so we know who is coming and how many to expect. Find us to say hi and we will introduce you to others. We should be easy to spot. (The happy-looking group wearing cool nametags! See photos from our past events.) Sign in, grab a name tag, start your own bar/food tab, meet old friends and make new ones! Everyone is welcome. SEE YOU THERE!

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

Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel. Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger. Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life. Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.

## 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

This month's prompt concerns the idea of the “warrior philosopher” (seemed appropriate in these times)--that is someone whose understanding of violence, power, and justice is forged through direct experience of war. We are looking at Major General Smedley D. Butler, a highly decorated U.S. Marine raised in a Quaker (pacifist) tradition who later became a prominent critic of American militarism (there is a wonderful biography of Gen. Butler called "Gangsters of Capitalism") Butler's argument in *War Is a Racket* (1935): that many U.S. interventions were driven less by national defense than by corporate and financial interests, with Butler portraying himself as an enforcer for business and Wall Street. We can consider the moral ambiguity of his insider critique—whether complicity strengthens or undermines credibility and also consider some of the concrete reforms he proposed (e.g., “conscript” capital before soldiers, restrict the military to coastal defense, and have only those who fight decide on war). Butler’s life arc clearly changed from pacifist upbringing to warrior to antiwar crusader—and asks whether true understanding of peace requires firsthand knowledge of war, and what that implies about the cost of suffering. So do we need to suffer to understand suffering? Do we have to experience war to appreciate peace? As one more question: in the movie "A Few Good Men" Jack Nicholson's character says that "you have the luxury of not knowing what I know" so do most of us go through life oblivious to real violence and suffering? See you at Drunken Philosophy!