Existentialism

**Life** Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz was born in 1646 in Leipzig. He had access to a substantial library early in life and is said to have taught himself Latin to read the Church Fathers and Latin Classics. He attended universities in Leipzig and Altdorf, earned a doctorate in law in 1667, turned down a faculty position, and went to work for the Elector of Mainz. In 1672 he had the opportunity to visit Paris to discuss his Egypt Plan, in which France would invade Egypt and leave Germany and the Netherlands alone. There he met several leading French thinkers, including [Nicolas Malebranche](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nicolas-Malebranche) and [Antoine Arnauld](https://iep.utm.edu/antoine-arnauld/), and studied mathematics under [Christian Huygens](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Christiaan-Huygens) (discovering integral and differential calculus after about three years). He created a calculating machine and, based on this work, was made in 1673 a member of the Royal Society. In 1676 he began working in the court of the Duke of Hanover. He spent much of his life promoting science, libraries and learning and was the first president of the [Royal Prussian Academy of Sciences](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prussian_Academy_of_Sciences). Leibniz made contributions to not only mathematics but physics, theology, and philosophy. He sought to reconcile Catholicism and Lutheranism and, in his own way, modern science and philosophy to certain Aristotelian ideas, such as the substantial form and final cause. He died in Hanover in 1716. **Themes** Leibniz is regarded, along with Descartes and Spinoza, as one of the most important rationalist philosophers of his age. He wrote a work in response to John Locke arguing that some principles or ideas are in some sense innate. In metaphysics, he asserted the principle of sufficient reason, which says that things happen when there is more reason for them to happen than not, and claimed that, strictly speaking, all true statements are analytic (e.g., it can be truly predicated of Ceasar *a priori* that he crossed the Rubicon). Unhappy with atomistic and other accounts of substance, he argued that monads (dimensionless, soul-like entities) are fundamental, reflect everything that has ever happened or will happen, and are in sync with each other through a pre-established order chosen by God. From the conclusion that God has chosen this world, and that God can only choose the best, Leibniz famously claimed that this is the best of all possible worlds. The system Leibniz set up would seem to leave little room for human freedom, but he tried to argue that people were nonetheless free in some sense. Right or wrong, his views are complex and interesting. **Works and This Month's Reading** Leibniz wrote so much that the critical edition of his collected works, underway for several decades, remains unfinished. Much of this output consists of short works—letters, journal articles—rather than a magnum opus. His only book-length statement of his philosophy published in his lifetime is *Theodicy*. His other major works include *Discourse on Metaphysics*, *Monadology*, and *New Essays on Human Understanding*. Except for *Monadology*, our readings this month are not from his most famous works; however, the selections in the *Shorter Leibniz Texts* are helpfully arranged, cover many of Leibniz's main claims, and, because the selections are short, can be read in coherent, manageable chunks. **Readings** · [The Shorter Leibniz Texts (Strickland)](https://www.amazon.com/Shorter-Leibniz-Texts-Collection-Translations/dp/0826489516/) · [Monadology (Google Books, pp. 215-271)](https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Monadology_and_Other_Philosophical_W/0IARAAAAYAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1) – The Strickland version listed below is a good alternative. Both have more footnotes and explanatory text than text from Leibniz. **Optional** · [Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, IEP](https://iep.utm.edu/leib-ove/) – Summarizes Leibniz’s thought based on *Discourse on Metaphysics*, *Monadology*, *Theodicy*, and *New Essays on Human Understanding*. · [Leibniz's Monadology: A New Translation and Guide (Strickland)](https://www.amazon.com/Leibnizs-Monadology-New-Translation-Guide/dp/074869322X/) – An alternative to the version on Google (above), this version also has relevant selections from *Theodicy*. · [Leibniz: Philosophical Essays](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0872200620/?) – Contains Discourse on *Metaphysics*, *Monadology*, the Preface to *New Essays on Human Understanding*, and several other short works and letters. · [The Philosophy of Spinoza & Leibniz (YouTube) - Magee & Quinton, 1987](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7n7wfQOGaI) · [The Essence of Calculus (YouTube) - 3Blue1Brown](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUvTyaaNkzM) \- Quick intro\. · [Mathematical Treasure: Leibniz's Papers on Calculus (MAA)](https://old.maa.org/press/periodicals/convergence/mathematical-treasure-leibnizs-papers-on-calculus) – If you’re curious what Leibniz’s calculus looked like. · [Mathematics - 19th Century, Algebra, Calculus | Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/science/mathematics/Mathematics-in-the-19th-century) – History of math, with some math.

Attn Tennis Members: You are invited to a 6 hr+ Indoor Tennis Party Event All levels welcome!! COURT 6 UPSTAIRS WILL BE DEDICATED FOR KING OF THE COURT DRILLS!! Food/Drinks Included!! Date: SATS Location: ONE LIFE FITNESS FORMERLY Sport N Health (Mclean Regency) Time: SESSION 1: 6 PM TO 8:30 pm SESSION 2: 8:30PM till 11:30 PM EST Price: $25,50 FIRST SESSION $25.50 SECOND SESSION $25.50 KING OF THE COURT NOTE: ONCE U RSVP, YOU MUST CALL ME TO CONFIRM. IF YOU SHOW UP AT DOOR AS A WALK IN, BEST ACCOMMODATION WILL BE MADE BUT NO GUARANTEE. Mike 703 505 5300 Meet up Co-Organiser mconvin@stconvinllc.com

Socrates Café are gatherings around the world where people from different backgrounds get together and exchange philosophical perspectives based on their experiences, using the Socratic Method of inquiry (asking and answering questions). Today, there are hundreds of such gatherings, coordinated by volunteers, worldwide. Though this may be considered a "philosophy" group, there are no rules as to what is discussed. Usually, the topics revolve around social concerns, morality, and the first principles of things. Please post any questions you would like the group to consider on the meetup event's page; in the comments section. Several days before the meetup I will post a link to a voting form in the comments section, and everyone can vote on their preferred questions. The questions with the highest and second highest number of votes will be discussed. Hope to see you there! -Brian

**Release and Renew: Finding Freedom Beyond the Negativity of Today’s World** In today’s world, the weight of negativity, stress, and constant change can feel overwhelming. This workshop offers a gentle space to pause, reflect, and release what no longer serves you. Through guided reflection and meditation, you’ll discover how to let go of heaviness and reconnect with the original peace and light of the soul. Together, we’ll explore practical tools for staying free from the pull of negativity while cultivating inner clarity and strength. Leave feeling lighter, renewed, and empowered to move forward with a greater sense of freedom and hope. Saturday, Dec. 20th 1:00pm – 2:30pm. Held at the Meditation Museum, 9525 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD. Free Event – Register at https://shorturl.at/kUd4C

Hello members, As Spring approaches and we get ready for another fun filled tennis season, we wanted to highlight a few of our rules to help everything run as smoothly as possible.Tennis has become much more popular since the pandemic started and court space has been harder to come by. Following these simple rules will help everyone get the most out of MoCo Topspinners Meetup. • If you RSVP for an event, you will need to attend that event or cancel at least two hours before the event starts. Members that no-show will receive one warning then will be benched (suspended) from events for two weeks. Three no-shows can result in a permanent ban. (No-shows create uneven numbers and prevent folks on the waitlist from playing. Please do your part to un-RSVP as soon as you know that you cannot attend an event.) • Members must have a way to communicate with organizers and hosts. This can be through the Meetup app messages or by providing other contact info. • Any member can ask a host or organizer to have their skill rated for event attendance purposes. You will not be allowed to participate in events higher than your NTRP rating. (We may try to limit numbers or have multiple events on a given day to accommodate players of different skill levels and also to help alleviate the court availability problem). • All members shall conduct good sportsmanship and be courteous to other members at all times. • Sexual harassment, racism, sexism or any kind of intolerance will not be tolerated and will result in the permanent ban from the group. • If member receives three warning infractions, the member will be suspended from the Meetup for a period of one month. If a member is suspended twice (six warnings), that member will be permanently banned and any membership dues will then be forfeited. • If you are scheduling to play with others outside of a MoCo Topspinners event, and you know that there is a MoCo Topspinners event scheduled for that day at that time, please try to use courts other than the courts where the event is scheduled, or move your time so that it does not conflict with the Topspinners event. For a list of complete rules and definitions you can see the MoCo Topspinners front page. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are hoping for a fun season but we may have to wait for courts and leave earlier than we are used to. Please be patient as we adjust to this new normal and try a few different things that will hopefully help the situation. Happy playing!

**\*\*\*\*GO TO EVENTBRITE FOR LINK TO MEETING:\*\*\*\*** https://www.eventbrite.com/e/recovering-from-religion-rfr-disabled-persons-virtual-support-group-tickets-922417735277?aff=oddtdtcreator **\*\*NOTE: This meeting is for people who have or identify as having a physical or mental disability.** If you consider yourself a person with a disability (such as living with a condition or disability that was the result of an injury, illness, birth, physical or mental health condition, genetics, etc.) this meeting is for you. Please do not join if this does not describe you. The Recovering from Religion (RfR) DISABLED PERSONS VIRTUAL support group will meet the third Saturday of each month from 4PM-6PM Central Time (USA). The support group leaders for this meeting meet the above criteria to allow for safe and empathetic peer support during the meeting. This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom and you can find the link on Eventbrite. It is our goal to provide a safe, respectful, and confidential space for folks struggling with issues related to religious harm, doubt, or non-belief. Attendees are welcome to share, and may also decide to remain anonymous if they so choose. These are free, small group style meetings. No professional therapist is present, group leaders are volunteers trained in peer support. No disrespect will be tolerated. Be aware that trolls sometimes appear. Your group leader(s) will make every effort to eject trolls and other disruptions immediately. Extra Support: RfR has an immense database of well-curated digital resources collected on all topics related to doubt, non-belief, and transition out of religion. www.recoveringfromreligion.org/resources If you find you need to talk with someone before the meeting date, RfR has a Helpline with phone and online chat for that express purpose. www.Recoveringfromreligion.org If you’re seeking professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at www.seculartherapy.org

**Join us in Falls Church for conversations that go beyond small talk.** Higher Grounds – Falls Church is where this growing network of gatherings began: a space for thoughtful, authentic dialogue about what matters most. Whether we’re exploring the nature of happiness, the challenges and possibilities of midlife, spirituality, culture, capitalism, parenting, or the role of art and travel in a meaningful life, every conversation is shaped by the people in the room. There’s no set leader or rigid agenda—just a shared commitment to listen as much as we speak. We start with brief introductions focused on what makes you *you* (not your LinkedIn bio), then dive straight into whatever is on people’s minds. The direction of each meetup emerges organically, making every event unique. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others in Falls Church who are also seeking deeper conversations. **Suggested Questions: Life Stages & Transitions** 1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging? 2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists? 3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about? **Suggested Questions: Identity After the Roles** 1. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you? 2. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed? 3. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted? **Suggested Questions: AI & Being Human** 1. What human experiences will AI never truly understand? 2. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do? 3. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated? **Suggested Questions: Belief & Meaning** 1. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space? 2. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live? 3. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self? **Suggested Questions: The Modern Psyche** 1. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have? 2. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire? 3. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept? **Suggested Questions: Work & Purpose** 1. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you? 2. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors? 3. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years? **Suggested Questions: Relationships & Connection** 1. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why? 2. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best? 3. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others? **Suggested Questions: Time & Mortality** 1. What are you running out of time to say or do? 2. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite? 3. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail? **Suggested Questions: Society & Culture** 1. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense? 2. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing? 3. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years? **Suggested Questions: Personal Philosophy** 1. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way? 2. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out? • 3. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?

** Take note: This is not in Burke** Let's get together again and practice our Tarot card and pendulums. This is for beginners through advanced readers to practice their skills. Everyone will get to do a reading. There will be extra decks and pendulums if you do not have some. We will try different layouts and share our experiences. All fun! See you there! Shaman Phil

Note: RSVPs for this meetup open when our previous meetup ends. For December, we will be reading The Sweet Hereafter by Russell Banks. The novel was first published in 1997 and the paperback version runs 272 pages. The blurb from Amazon is: In The Sweet Hereafter, Russell Banks tells a story that begins with a school bus accident. Using four different narrators, Banks creates a small-town morality play that addresses one of life's most agonizing questions: when the worst thing happens, who do you blame?

An Eckankar Soul Adventure Podcast * Hear the story of the love bond between a woman in crisis and a rescue kitten * Get a powerful dream exercise that can help you find answers to your most burning questions! Join us for this exciting and uplifting podcast. You will have the opportunity to share your thoughts and insights with other like-hearted individuals. People of all faiths are warmly welcome; feel free to invite friends and family. The program will be presented at our Ruscombe Mansion location in Baltimore and streamed on Zoom. Sunday, December 21, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Three easy ways to participate! 1. Attend in person at: The Ruscombe Mansion Main Mansion dining room, 4801 Yellowwood Ave., Baltimore, MD 21209 2. Join others for a virtual participation at: The Maryland Eckankar Center, 1738 Elton Rd., Suite 104, Silver Spring, MD 20903 3. Attend online at: Zoom Meeting ID: 895 7212 3209 Passcode: 559017 Dial-In: 301-715-8592 For more information: Call or text: (301) 439-2120 [BEC@eckankarmaryland.org](mailto:BEC@eckankarmaryland.org)

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

We may pick a specific topic and post in advance or may discuss current events and various ad hoc topics . We would love to spend time hanging out and getting to know one another. Atheist, agnostics, other non-theists, and atheist-friendly people are welcome to join us. Note: COUNT operates a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions (http://www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions/) to promote discussions among members and visitors.

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!

We’re still working to get more people into these Meetups, but our goal is to give PlayYourCourt members a few social tennis outings each week in addition to your practice sessions and Challenge League matches. These Meetups are co-ed, super laid back, and all skill levels are welcome. Post your skill level and a suggested court in the comments section so we can round up as many players as we can for some tennis fun! Also, if you’re looking to meet new practice partners or play some matches and you aren’t already in the PlayYourCourt Community, you can go here to see what we’re all about and sign up: https://www.playyourcourt.com/tennis-community/columbus-oh/meetup/ If you love tennis, we’d love to have you! Be sure and watch the quick video that explains how everything works. Happy hitting! - Scott

Mental Health, how do you understand it? How can you improve it? How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp. This group is hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

We are recruiting new group leaders for virtual men's groups! Our primary groups are outdoor movement groups, but we are launching virtual groups for the state of Ohio and beyond and the groups will move outside in the spring, creating room for men's groups, women's groups and coed groups all over the country. Read below to learn about our groups and click the links at the bottom to apply. ### **What is an Outdoor Empowerment Group?** Our Outdoor Movement & Community Empowerment Groups are simple, guided experiences designed to help people reconnect with nature, themselves, and others. We combine some form of movement (hike, walk, run, bike, yoga, workout) and meaningful conversation within a simple community circle to create a space where individuals can support each other while prioritizing mental and physical well-being. Whether you’re seeking stress relief, personal growth, or community, our groups offer everyone a unique and welcoming environment. ## **Why Join?** * **Improve Mental & Physical Well-Being** – Movement, nature, and supportive conversations reduce stress and promote balance. * **Feel Less Alone** – Build genuine connections with like-minded people in a safe, welcoming space. * **Gain Clarity & Perspective** – Step outside daily routines and into a space designed for personal growth and reflection. ## **The Ideal Group Leader** The ideal group leader * Has a born-in passion for mental health, movement, connecting with nature and building community. * Has 5 extra hours per week to dedicate to a meaningful cause for at least one year. Yes, you can leave any organization at any time and we can also ask you to leave, but we are building with legacy in mind and we need people who can commit and be ALL IN on this mission to build with us. * Is independently financially stable with the ability to volunteer with no expectation of pay. This is a deeply beautiful journey of service that all participants commit to at Speak Your Mind. * An ability to manage groups with high emotional intelligence and desire for human connection. * An ability to self-motivate and market/promote their group on Facebook and other social platforms. * Nature informed therapy or clinical therapists/psychologists a plus. ## **Our Impact**  Since launching, we have helped thousands find support, connection, and healing through our Outdoor Movement Groups. 100% of participants surveyed have reported: * A noticeable improvement in mental clarity and emotional well-being. * An increase in social connection and a sense of belonging. * Said they would return again. We believe mental health should be accessible, community-driven, and rooted in nature. Join us and take the first step toward a more connected, grounded, and supported version of yourself. ### **Why Our Groups are Donation-Based** Our Outdoor Movement Groups are made possible through a donation-based model. This approach allows us to keep our events accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, while also ensuring that we can continue expanding our reach. It’s a great way to pay it forward and support the growth of this beautiful mission! Every contribution helps us: * **Cover Essential Costs** – Donations allow us to pay essential legal, marketing, insurance, and admin costs as well as nourish the important people who run the organization. * **Grow Our Mission** – With your support, we can bring these healing experiences to thousands more people in the future and execute our long term plan to expand across the USA, affecting up to 500,000 people per year. By choosing to contribute, you’re not just leading an event—you’re helping build a mental health movement that supports long-term well-being and connection for all during a severe mental health epidemic. ## **Come Join Us!** We’d love to have you be part of this growing community of people prioritizing their mental health, movement, and connection. 🔹 **Visit Our Website to Learn More:** https://speakyourmind.men/joinusoutside 🔹 **Apply Here to Lead Your Own Group!** – https://form.jotform.com/taketimespeakyourmind/sym-group-leader-application 🔹 **Support the mission**: If you resonate with the mission and want to support, feel free to join a group before applying or donate to help us reach our goals to help more people! You can donate here: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/angels-for-angels/speak-your-mind Please text Mario with any questions: (808) 855-8831