Cryptoequity

**1\. The good: class struggle and alienation from labor** "In ancient times, the haves were the slave-owners and the have-nots the slaves. The interests of these two groups were entirely opposed. Any increase in the prosperity of the owner is at the expense of the slave and vice versa. It is a zero-sum relationship. So conflict is an unavoidable consequence. ... In Marx's analysis, this arrangement amounted to an 'alienation' of the slave from the fruits of his labor. Marx advocated the 'labour theory of value' in which the value of something is based on the labor used to produce it." (Frame, 283) a) Do we measure economic value? (Scarcity, survival, aesthetics, labor or some sort of combo?) b) Would you agree that alienation is a powerful phenomenological description? (Why, why not?) [Video: 'The Great British Class System, Explained' ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWx2MhyFYyY) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWx2MhyFYyY c) Why is class less discussed in our modern world than gender, race and religion? **2\. The bad: dialetical materialism** "Marx was a determinist like Hegel, and he believed that the laws of being progressed in the form of a Hegelian dialetic. [movement between contrasting viewpoints] But he beleived that the ultimate causes of events were material, not mental. So he was a dialetical materialist. Further, in his view, those ultimate causes were economic." (Frame, 282) a) 'Materialism is a deficient philosophical paradigm', why or why not? b) How do we prevent our theories being overapplied? (Eg Marx thinking everything is economic.) [Optional Video 'Optimistic Nihilism' by Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBRqu0YOH14&t=1s) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBRqu0YOH14&t=1s **The ugly: revolutionary eschatology** "...Therefore the poor are driven to revolt. Again Marx anticipates that this will bring a radical change in the social order, a revolution. Marx believed that in this particular revolution the proletariat will be the winner. So society will be governed for a time by a 'dictatorship of the proletariat'." (Frame, 284) a) Some revolutions are celebrated (eg the American Revolution), so why do so many turn out badly (eg the French Revolution)? b) Is change possible without 'breaking a few eggs' and after one revolution what prevents a cylce of revolution and counter-revolution? **Bonus: cultural Marxism** "a really bigoted quack [conspiracy theory](https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=conspiracy%20theory) wherein [conservatives](https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=conservatives) assert that there is a conspiracy where black people, lgbt people, leftists, immigrants, and anti-colonial advocates are seen as working together to instill Marxism under the pretense of [multiculturalism](https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=multiculturalism)." (Urban Dictionary, 2013) Optional preperation movie: 'Land of the Blind' (2006) - Recommended with caution, some adult content. *A History of Western Philosophy and Theology* by John M. Frame

Debutante is a monthly non-competitive showcase for emerging drag performers, held at Pride of our Footscray. The show starts at 8PM. Free entry and no booking required.

**Tickets:** [https://events.humanitix.com/lgbt-crafting-social-byo-project](https://events.humanitix.com/lgbt-crafting-social-byo-project) Please join us for some crafting and socialising at the Ivanhoe Library & Cultural Hub, in the Clara Southern meeting room. Your host, Ben, is a mental health professional & experienced group facilitator who's passionate about bringing people together to socialise and make new friends. Bring your own materials for a project that isn't too messy; i.e. no paint - we need to keep the floor and table clean and free of stains. If you're more of a socialite and less of a crafter, please feel free to join us anyway; some great options include a writing project, or a colouring book and some pencils. **Please note:** this is an alcohol free event. LGBT+ Social Hub Melbourne aims to provide a safe place for everyone. We ask that you be respectful to all attendees; harassment and discrimination will not be tolerated. The venue capacity is 20 people, so tickets are limited; your $5 ticket contributes to venue hire and growing our community. Can't wait to see you there :)

Join, Stephen Fiyalko, President of the Melbourne Theosophical Society, at 1:30pm on Saturday 14 February 2026 for a talk and practical workshop, in follow-up to previous talks, which looks at life’s purpose as one becomes aware of, engages with and embraces the process of transformation. This talk and workshop considers how to engage together joyfully with transformational choice in the context of the 12 Laws (principles not rules) of the Universe, their keys and theosophy. The Laws themselves suggest that who we consider ourselves to be based on our nature, personality, knowledge, karma, education, emotions, social constraints, habits, ego, mind and the hidden shadow self can form a barrier to perceiving ourselves, other people and the world as it is because according, e.g., to the Law of Relativity perception based on comparison and judgement clouds clarity of mind. The question is asked: how can the choices on the path to spiritual transformation we make be well-grounded without clarity of mind? Does the answer relate to the possibility that transformation is a continuous process which can be facilitated by our growing awareness of the Laws of the Universe and the influence of the hidden Shadow. The talk also considers how all of the Laws flow gracefully through all our lives and that with application of their keys in tandem can magnify the effect and joy of the choices we make. The talk and workshop will consider the practicality of embracing with compassion and joy every aspect of our whole being within the Laws which teach us in tandem the lessons of awareness needed to take us forward on the path of spiritual transformation. The point is made that the Laws themselves have purpose; that our journeys are very personal; that we learn by our own choices at our own pace; but we can benefit from sharing our journeys together. Handouts will be provided. Non-members will be asked to donate $5 at the door, Members are free.

Ever wondered how humanity would respond to an asteroid heading for Earth? Or how the world might react to first contact with aliens? Welcome to **The Thought Experiment** — a new kind of meetup where we explore big *“What if…?”* scenarios in a fun but thoughtful way. Each session, we’ll pick one scenario (from global crises to wild sci-fi situations) and work together to imagine solutions, strategies, and possibilities. This is for **curious minds of all kinds** — students, professionals, creatives, or anyone who enjoys thinking differently. Some people might bring research, others just bring imagination. Either way, we’ll brainstorm together and see where the discussion takes us. [Thought Experiment Site](https://thoughtexperiment.au/) **We ask everyone to Buy a drink at the venue** **You Need to have Conversational English.** **This is a 3PM start event.** **Format:** * Quick intro to the scenario * Small-group discussions * Share back with the group * Wrap up + (optional) post-discussion drinks For our first meetup, we’ll introduce the format, get to know each other, and jump into a scenario together. ***Story Arc: Horrors of Consciousness*** Keywords: *Love, Unrequited Love, After Life* **Scenario: Closure** A Special Valentines Day Event. You remember meeting her. You remember her smile, not for how it looked, but for what it did to you. After that, things seemed to fall into place more easily than they should have. Nothing remarkable about the place. Only the certainty that something essential had quietly begun. You remember the love clearly. What’s harder to place is how little it asked of time. There were no obvious breaks. No moment where it failed. Only the sense, much later, that it never had to contend with anything else. How can a love like this be real, and why does that question feel dangerous? Oxford Scholar. Saturday 3–5 PM. A Small group. Big imagination. No right answers — just curiosity, debate, and fun.

Join us in Old Man Drew's fairytale garden for a casual brunch with a small group of like-minded women, who are chasing their best life. This is an opportunity to inspire and uplift each other, workshop our goals, and create some magic together. As with all our events, we ask that you be mindful of keeping your RSVP accurate. This event has limited places so if you are unable to come, we ask that you update your RSVP to decline, so that someone else can take your place.

**🌿 Fall in Love with the Planet – Eco-Impact Tribe Walk & Talk** This Valentine’s season, we’re celebrating love in a different way — love for the planet 🌎💚 Join Eco-Impact Tribe for a relaxed **Walk & Talk** through the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens. A chance to slow down, connect with nature, and share simple ideas on how we can care a little more for the world around us. This is a casual, friendly event for anyone who wants to meet like-minded people, enjoy good conversation, and spend time outdoors. As a small gift, each participant will receive a **seed to take home and plant** — a tiny symbol of growing something positive for the planet 🌱 **Meeting Point:** We’ll meet at the Kiosk of **The Observatory** **Café at 11:00 AM** inside the Royal Botanic Gardens, so you’re welcome to grab a coffee before we begin. If possible, bring your own takeaway cup. 📩 If you’re running late, please DM me! **Plan for the day:** • Meet and greet at the Observatory Cafe at 11:00AM (https://maps.app.goo.gl/gskx6xgNiJF1f72g6) • Gentle group walk through the gardens • We stop at **Central Lawn** to connect and relax (https://maps.app.goo.gl/EPbmiZzVk1wRoD989) **What to bring:** • Comfortable walking shoes • Water • Hat and sunscreen if it’s sunny • Have something to sit down • A reusable coffee cup (preferable) • Your good vibes Whether you’re new to sustainability or already passionate about it, this is a welcoming space to connect and reflect together. Come along and let’s fall a little more in love with the planet 💚

**PLEASE NOTE RECENT LOCATION CHANGE & ATTENDANCE FEE!** Please join us this Sunday as we discuss is equality compatible with excellence. **We will meet at the Queensberry Hotel, 593 Swanston Street, Carlton (100m north of previous location) at 2pm for a 2:15pm start sharp.** **We kindly ask attendees to pay $5 to attend to help with MeetUp costs & venue costs. This is not mandatory, but if you are a regular member it would be appreciated. Any extra moneys will go towards buying food and drinks for the table. The venue also expects us to spend money as a group, so grateful if you could buy a drink from the venue.** There is no pre-requisite preparation necessary, nor a philosophical background, all that is required is a curious mind. These discussions are both a Socrates Cafe style discussion and lively metaphysical dojo, in the spirit of learning and friendly debate, so please feel free to challenge assumptions and be prepared to have your own assumptions challenged. Find below some questions to consider, however these are free-ranging events and the below serve as a springboard for the discussion. \- Equality of what \- outcome\, opportunity\, dignity\, status\, political power? \- Excellence in what \- occupation\, sport\, art\, moral character? \- Is excellence inherently hierachical? \- Is it fair that some children get enormous advantages \(mostly non\-financial\)? \- Does meritocracy fairly reward talent\, or does it entrench advantage? \- Can democratic equality coexist with technocratic expertise? \- What have philosophers had to say about this topic \(Nietzsche\, Rawls\, Sandel etc\)? \- What do the experiences of other countries reveal about this topic? \- Are the solutions different for children and adults or if we are thinking on a 20 year time frame\, not this year? \- Can a society maximise equality and excellence at the same time\, or must one give way?

Based on crew's requests to go Bouldering, Lateisha has contacted BoulderLab and is seeing who else is interested to join. Pls RSVP for interest and all timings will be shared once we have full numbers A few people are keen to do it Location: Brunswick Here is the pricing: Adult Day pass - $22 Student Day pass - $20 Climbing shoe hire - $7 What to do before you arrive? Before you arrive you can save a lot of time by filling out our Waiver (on the BoulderLab website https://boulderlab.com.au/waiver). Make sure to be wearing comfy clothes that you can be active in, and leave any rings or similar jewelry at home (You won’t be able to climb whilst wearing rings)

✨ **EVENT OVERVIEW** This special Valentine’s Day gathering is a collaboration between Find **Your Tribe Melbourne** and **Soulful Conversations** coming together to celebrate love in its many forms — romantic, platonic, self-love, and love for humanity — through soulful conversations and meaningful connections. Rooted in openness, curiosity, and respect for diverse perspectives, this event invites you to engage in conversations that go beyond surface-level chat. In the spirit of **Valentine’s Day**, we’ll explore spiritual and philosophical perspectives on love, connection, and purpose, while creating space to meet like-minded people who value depth, authenticity, and community. Whether you’re spiritually curious, philosophically inclined, or simply seeking more meaningful connection, you are warmly welcome. **TICKET** Tickets are $10, which covers your coffee (or equivalent drink of choice) on the day, and any remaining funds will be donated to Oxfam. 🌿 **EVENT STRUCTURE** **12:30 pm – Arrival & Welcome:** Arrive, grab a drink or lunch, and settle in. This is a relaxed arrival period to meet others and ease into the space. **12:45 pm – Soulful Conversations:** A guided discussion exploring spiritual and philosophical quotes on love, encouraging reflection, shared insights, and respectful dialogue across different perspectives. **2:00 pm – Find Your Tribe Connection Activity:** A facilitated connection activity hosted by Find Your Tribe Melbourne, designed to help you engage more deeply with others through thoughtful prompts and intentional conversation. 📍 **MEETING POINT** Please ask café staff for the reservation under “Soulful Conversations” or meet us at the back of the café where we will have large tables. 🌱 **NEW HERE?** **Soulful Conversations** Soulful Conversations creates a welcoming space to explore meaningful topics through reflective dialogue inspired by the Baha'i teachings and drawing on spiritual and philosophical ideas in an inclusive and open-hearted way. **Find Your Tribe Melbourne** Find Your Tribe is a community where ambitious professionals, creatives, entrepreneurs, and change-makers come together to build authentic connections and support personal and professional growth, with a mission to foster meaningful relationships and conscious leadership. **LIABILITY DISCLAIMER** By attending this event, you acknowledge that you are participating voluntarily and are responsible for your own health, safety, and well-being during the activities. *Find Your Tribe* and its hosts are not liable for any injury, loss, or damage that may occur. Please take care, be mindful of your surroundings, and participate within your own comfort level. **PHOTO AND VIDEO DISCLAIMER** Please note that photos and videos may be taken throughout the event and may be used on our social media channels or other platforms. If you prefer not to be photographed or filmed, kindly inform one of the hosts at the beginning of the event.

**Learn about the insights and experiences of the chief of staff of the most powerful people with our February book club pick** Our February book club is about the brains behind the world's famous figures. Missing Perspectives founder Phoebe Saintilan-Stocks sits down with the chiefs of staff to some of the most defining presidents and prime ministers of our time, including Jacinda Ardern, Tony Blair, Nelson Mandela, and Julia Gillard. **About the book** In this book, some of the world’s most powerful chiefs of staff open up about leadership, loyalty, power, and pressure, and the deep personal relationships that shape decision-making at the very top. **What you'll gain** * A behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to shape, influence, and manage the world's most influential decision-makers * Stories from extraordinary events, such as supporting Nelson Mandela as he emerged from prison and stepped into power, and what it was like to be sent home from Balmoral by the Queen. * A real-life account of what it's really like to work in the highest corridors of power. Purchase links: [[The Right Hand: Conversations With The Chief Of Staff Of The World's Most Powerful People](https://www.boomerangbooks.com.au/the-right-hand-conversations-with-the-chiefs-of-staff-to-the-worlds-most-powerful-people/phoebe-saintilan-stocks/book_9781761355745.htm?srsltid=AfmBOoryBmC3FfcpU9aIhsqC7oHWMXjjlWfF8bbNslImigeGp2f2rEkw)] **Please note that this is a paid event to help cover the cost of meetup fees. Thank you for supporting Girl Who Boss and being part of a community that uplifts and inspires!** **Refund Policy** Kindly note that refunds cannot be provided for cancellations made less than 48 hours before the event. If you’re unable to attend, please reach out to one of the hosts to discuss alternative arrangements.

Grab a coffee and make some new friends. Or just get out and get some fresh air and socialize. If this is your very first meetup and a bit unsure, 2 simple steps you need to follow: 1. Reach the location at the time specified. 2. Walk up to the group and say 'Hi', everyone in the group is here to make friends... so you can be sure to have a good time Looking forward to meeting you all! Sushmitha Strictly NO marketing/promoting your groups, business, MLM products, mentorship, etc. Those who are found to be doing so will be removed from the group Disclaimer: Photos taken at any of the events may be shared on Meetup and other social media platforms. The organizer of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury, or accident to participants or their property at this event. By participating in this event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being., injury, or accidents to participants or their property on this event. By participating in this event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being.

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.

Join us for Quizzo pub trivia at Sprader’s on the Lake 🧠🍻! It is free to play and we have a reservation for 10 people, so arrive around 6:30 PM to claim our spots, with trivia typically starting at 7:00 PM. Sprader’s has drinks and some snack food, so we can order takeout if we want to eat.

Dale Gnidovec, Curator of the Orton Hall Museum of Geology at The Ohio State University, will be presenting a program he has wanted to share with us for a long time: Plate Tectonics. His description of his program: Continents on the move - Nothing in Earth history makes sense without moving continents - it tells us why mountains, volcanoes, minerals, and fossils are where they are. This talk examines the evidence for continental drift, why it was disbelieved, and explains how the more-encompassing theory of plate tectonics was developed and eventually proven. Dale is an energetic, incredibly knowledgeable, and very entertaining speaker and this will be another wonderful program by Dale. Hope to see you there! Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

As you may or may not know--I didn't until late last year--Aristotle wrote extensively on "friendship" in the Nicomachean Ethics. After 69 years the concept of friendship still creates questions and uncertainty. I had close friends in high school and for a few years after high school but our interests diverged and people moved all over the country so it was hard to maintain connections. * So if I/you haven't talked with a friend for several years, are you still friends? Are we friends who meet at Drunken Philosophy or Omnipresent Atheists? * Can you be friends with someone with whom you have virulently divergent political views? Sartre and Camus could not. * Aristotle regarded friendship as essential to a good life, not merely an added "bonus." Do you agree? * In the Nicomachean Ethics (Books VIII and IX), he claims that wealth and power are meaningless without friends. Trump has wealth and power but seems to have no real friends, but wealth and power seem meaningful to him in perverted ways. Can you have meaning in your life without friends? * Do men and women view and maintain friendships in different ways? * Aristotle categorizes friendship into three types, based on what forms the bond: * **Utility**: Based on mutual benefit, but this type is fragile and ends when the usefulness ceases. * **Pleasure**: Based on shared enjoyment (e.g., humor, hobbies). Common among youth but fades as interests change. * **Virtue (The "Complete" Friendship)**: Based on mutual respect for each other's character and goodness. You wish good for the other for their sake, not yours. * **Key Principles of "True" (Virtuous) Friendship:** * **Permanence**: Virtuous friendships last a lifetime whereas those based on utility and pleasure are fleeting. * **Reciprocity**: Requires mutual goodwill; secret or unreciprocated affection does not qualify. * **The "Second Self"**: A true friend is "another self"—their virtue helps you understand and improve yourself. * **Time and Intimacy**: Deep ("complete") friendships are few, built on time and shared experiences. * **Self-Love and Friendship:** * Good friendship starts with being a friend to yourself. * They distinguish shallow egoism (chasing honors) from real self-love (pursuing virtue). * A virtuous person’s pleasant self-company allows them to be a stable, good friend to others. * Aristotle argues that one's social circle ultimately reflects one's character—a view with striking relevance today. Well--the Drunken Philosophy social circle certainly reflects good character!

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia

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