Free Thinker
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Free Thinker Events Today
Join in-person Free Thinker events happening right now
Energy is Life: A Rational Optimist’s Case for Human Progress
**What does energy really mean for ordinary lives - for safety, dignity, education, and opportunity?**
Few of us stop to ask why it matters so profoundly.
In this thought-provoking talk, award-winning science communicator Zion Lights reveals the human story behind one of the most misunderstood forces in our world. Drawing from her new book Energy is Life, she explores how access to energy has lifted billions from hardship, empowered communities, and opened the door to human flourishing.
Blending personal insight with scientific clarity, Zion challenges assumptions, demystifies modern technologies, and offers a hopeful, humane vision of our shared future. She examines why our intuitions about risk often mislead us, how cognitive biases shape public debates, and what we can do to think more clearly in an age of misinformation.
Sharing her own journey from anti-technology activism to evidence-based advocacy, Zion makes a grounded case that science, reason, and abundant clean energy are essential to human progress and human flourishing.
**Zion Lights**
…is an award-winning Science Communicator and environmental advocate who makes complex science clear and compelling. She explores energy, climate, and technology through the lens of human challenges, showing how curiosity and evidence can shape a better future. Her work combines technical clarity with a sense of wonder, helping people see the big questions and the choices that define our civilisation.
Zion is the author of the forthcoming book Energy is Life, which shows how science, technology, and the choices we make today can transform our energy systems and bring power to those who need it most.
**To see more of Zion’s work visit her [website](https://www.zionlights.co.uk/). Zion blogs at [Everything is Light](https://zionlights.substack.com) and is active on [X](https://x.com/ziontree), [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKy3KeTxmLKYtMnItja_ftg), [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@zilovesscience), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/zion.lights/) and [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:whda7f6fim77kl26rnwga7lk).**
**Pre-order her book [here](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Energy-Life-Environmentalism-Went-Nuclear/dp/1917458452/).**
**Schedule**
6:30 PM: join for socialising and drinks
7 PM: presentation
7:45 PM: drinks break
8 PM: Q&A
8:30 PM: ends, moving on to postevent pub social
**Post event social**
As after all our in-person talks at the Old Diorama Arts Centre, we will move on to a local pub for a post event social. So from 8:30 PM we will be going to the [Queen's Head and Artichoke](https://maps.app.goo.gl/nXy9yvWcywRM1Hir6), 30-32 Albany St, London NW1 4EA.
**Payment**
We ask for a **£5 donation to attend** this talk, which can be paid on the door. (Or pay what you can afford.)
If you would prefer to make the £5 donation online or can't attend and would still like to support the event [please click here](https://square.link/u/yIrpwGDk).
Alternatively you can do a transfer using our account details: Central London Humanist Group, Sort code: 30-94-25, Account number: 19143068, Reference: Talk
Beacon
**Please note this event will be recorded and we will take photos for publication on CLH media channels. If you do not wish to be featured in video or photographs please contact the CLH team in advance or make us aware at the event.**
**Resources and FAQs**
…for members, supporters, and participants in CLH activities
See [here for our knowledge base](https://clhorganisers.notion.site/Central-London-Humanists-knowledge-base-7ff2374eee1e43c0938123e894f37e5f) packed with important, useful information about the group, the organisers, and what we offer the community. See [here for our code of conduct and complaints policy](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Reeh69cv38DHeBnexNwOAKoeRb2dwDM3k9xaJ2tM5EA/mobilebasic).
**Our events are 18+ unless accompanied by a parent or guardian**. We encourage dialogue, debate, and sharing of information, but ask people to keep their comments cordial. Any individual's views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the group at large.
Film Club: Choice, Chance, Repeat (Secret Film)
**This month:** A young woman has just minutes to solve a life-or-death problem, and what follows is a series of near-identical attempts, each unfolding differently with every tiny decision, delay, and encounter. As the same situation restarts and reshapes itself, we’re drawn into a vivid exploration of choice: how much control we really have, how chance intervenes, and whether changing a single moment can alter everything that follows. Is it better to choose faster, choose smarter, or are we always at the mercy of forces beyond us? **Can you guess the film? Or come and find out on the night!**
This year’s films all revolve around the theme of “**choice**” – plenty of opportunity for philosophical exploration!
PFA Film Club hosts free screenings of thought-provoking films, followed by a discussion about the raised philosophical issues, for general public. In 2026 meetings are held every third WEDNESDAY of the month at the Cafe of St. Hilda's East Community Centre, 18 Club Row, London E2 7EY. The nearest station is **Shoreditch High Street** on the Overground. The screening starts at 6:30 pm (or at 6pm for longer films) and we need to vacate the building by 9:00pm. We offer complimentary light refreshments during the event.
For the most up-to-date schedule of the upcoming film club events, visit our [website](http://pfalondon.org/#rec767601373).
Evening English Classes (FREE!) in London
Want to feel more confident in English? Join our friendly group classes and practise in a relaxed, supportive environment.
✔ Improve your grammar and comprehension
✔ Build your vocabulary and speaking skills
✔ Meet new people while learning
✔ Gain a certificate for good attendance
✔ Classes are completely **free** because the teachers are training with the University of Cambridge accredited CELTA course
No cost. No pressure. Just real learning, face-to-face.
📅 Mondays & Wednesdays
🕡 6:30 – 8:30 pm
📍24 Great Chapel St. London W1F 8FS (near Tottenham Court rd)
✅ Everyone welcome!
Lunchtime Meditation In-Person
Take a pause from your busy day and join us for a 20-minute guided meditation to breathe your stress away, decompress your body and mind, centre yourself and restore your wellbeing.
Leave feeling refreshed, recharged and refocused, ready to tackle the rest of your day.
No experience is necessary – this free in-person meditation is open to everyone.
**This is a free in-person meditation.**
**If you would like to make a voluntary donation, please click** [here.](https://www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/ "https://www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/")
\* I consent to my submitted data being collected and stored. We will process your personal data in line with the GDPR requirements and always store it securely and use it only for the purpose for which it has been collected. We will not pass on your details to any third parties without your consent.
Free in-person English classes in London
Come and join us every week day from 12.45pm - 2.45pm.
Classes for levels elementary to upper-intermediate (A1+ - B2+)
Improve your fluency, listening and reading comprehension, grammar and vocabulary with our friendly classes.
No payment needed - the classes are **completely free** because the teachers are training with a University of Cambridge accredited program.
Join us at 24 Great Chapel St, London, W1F 8FS
Take the level test in advance for more information about classes for your level (link to the level test: https://forms.gle/mn3hqUgo3BRLyAUi7) and wait for up to one business day for more information.
OR
Come 15 minutes early on your first day to do a quick speaking test and find your classroom.
See you soon!
Will AI Save Us? - Victoria Debates
**This House Believes AI Will Be A NET POSITIVE for Society**
**What We Do**
3v3 panel debate where our members explore the strongest arguments for a given topic.
A debate should tell the audience what they need to know and not just what the speakers think. If you feel the same way, then we want to meet you.
Debate London is the year-round series of free public debates held weekly at venues across the capital. The series is run by Debate London, a social enterprise that helps its members to advance their personal and professional development by teaching them how to debate.
All of our speakers are [Debate London members](https://www.debate.london/plans "https://www.debate.london/plans") who have agreed to defend a particular perspective the audience need to hear, rather than just share their own personal opinion. After presenting the point of view assigned to them, the audience are then given the floor to cross-examine them and share their own position.
The only time we hear what the speakers really think is at the end of the debate when they tell us where they really stand and whether this changed at all while learning how to defend the perspective assigned to them.
**After Debate Social**
After all of our debates we have a post debate hang-out. This is a chance for our community to get to know new people, explore new ideas and generally have more fun as a club! Come along and join us for a post-debate social!
**Venue**
Our venues serve drinks (alcoholic and soft drinks) as well as brilliant food. All can be ordered from the bar
**Do not bring external food or drink into our venues you will be asked to throw it away or to finish it outside. - This is a venue rule which we need to follow.**
Learn to Meditate - Wednesdays in Putney @ 6.00pm - Free Sahaja Yoga Class
Hello there! - We'd like to welcome you to Free weekly meetings hosted by Max, Vaishali & team which take place at:
Putney Library, 5-7 Disraeli Rd, Putney, SW15 2DR
on Wednesday evenings from 6.00pm until 7.00pm
No need to Book - just pop along - More info: 07766 600 803
With Sahaja Yoga Meditation we normally sit on chairs to achieve yoga, effortlessly & spontaneously. So there is no need for mats and no special clothing required.
All across the globe, many are seeking new sources of energy. Meanwhile, the most transformative energy of all is hiding in plain sight, within us. It's natural, sustainable, and infinitely renewable.
It's called inner kundalini energy. And everyone already has it — everyone!. It is often likened to an inner feminine or motherly energy which automatically knows about us and what is needed to help us restore balance and harmony within our subtle being. It works spontaneously, effortlessly, organically and cannot be paid for.
Sahaja Yoga Meditation is a simple time-honoured technique that lets you tap into that energy and harness its power to become better balanced and better connected to yourself — emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually.
If you're having trouble juggling the challenges in your life, Sahaja Yoga Meditation might well help you manage stress, master your emotions and find solutions to your problems. You may enjoy better health, better focus, and a deeper understanding of the universe and your place in it.
Meditation is not just for mystics and monks.
Sahaja Yoga meditation is for everyone. Anyone can do it. It's that easy. But with the Sahaja Yoga experience, you'll quickly realise, it isn't your typical Meditations 'R Us type class. It's much more than just feeling peaceful and relaxed. Sahaja Yoga Meditation has many layers, varied and deep. Explore at your own pace, in your own way. Our volunteer experts are always available to help.
Ready to plug into your inner energy? A Sahaja Yoga Meditation class is a great way to start. A few minutes of your life may be all it takes to connect to your inner energy and light the path to lifelong transformation. Sahaja Yoga is more than a temporary solution or quick relief — it is a journey, rather than a destination. It's all about energy — guaranteed pure and carbon neutral. You can never have too much of it.
The best part? All classes are free. No strings, no catch.
Everyone is welcome. Bring a friend, bring your self — all are welcome.
We have a web site here in London too which you can visit for more info about weekly meetings: www.sahajayogalondon.co.uk (http://www.sahajayogalondon.co.uk/)
Join us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/London.Free.Meditation)
The first experience of Sahaja Yoga meditation is called Self Realisation. With Sahaja Yoga Meditation we generally sit on chairs to achieve Yoga, effortlessly & spontaneously. As such no Asanas (exercises) are required, no mat or special clothing
## What is Meditation?
Meditation is a state of mental silence or rest, where our attention is aware, but not engrossed in thinking. It is known as ‘thoughtless awareness’. It is achieved when the indwelling Kundalini energy awakens and carries the individual attention beyond the level of the 6th chakra, into the seventh chakra, known as Sahasrara.
## Yoga!
It is here we achieve Yoga! As the mind finds rest and silence, we become able to feel our inner Self (Spirit). This can be tangibly felt, it actually manifests, as a cool wind, breath or breeze, often experienced on the palms of the hands or at the top (crown) of the head. It is a spontaneous, effortless natural happening.
Each week many people experience this actualisation at one of the many free meditation classes on offer
## How to get into balance?
The secret of the Sahaja Yoga method resides within us, at the base of the spinal chord, in a triangular bone called the “sacrum bone”. Since our birth in our sacrum bone dwells an inner energy called in Sanskrit Kundalini; it is characterised as a feminine energy and once activated, this energy rises along our spine until it reaches the top of the head and finally connects with the universal energy. This union is called “yoga” in Sanskrit.
## Kundalini
As our indwelling Kundalini rises through the central channel, this benevolent feminine energy activates the chakras, removing all the impurities from them and nourishing the entire inner system. It is through this happening that we are elevated into ‘thoughtless awareness’, the mental silence of true meditation
www.sahajayogalondon.co.uk
Free Meditation & Yoga Classes in London
Want to experience it now – Experience Self Realisation now – Guided Meditation ([https://www.sahajayogalondon.co.uk/articles/experience-your-self-realisation-online-now/](https://www.sahajayogalondon.co.uk/articles/experience-your-self-realisation-online-now/ "https://www.sahajayogalondon.co.uk/articles/experience-your-self-realisation-online-now/"))
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Free Thinker Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Walk your type - Epping forest version
Join us for a relaxed group walk in Epping Forest while exploring personality theory and cognitive functions.
This informal meetup is open to anyone interested in MBTI, Jungian cognitive functions, or personality discussions in general—whether you're experienced or just curious. Expect a casual walk, thoughtful conversation, and a chance to connect with like-minded people.
Philosophy Session/discussion, open for all!
These fortnightly sessions are dedicated to the discussion and exploration of an idea that I, as the organiser, have planned. No prior reading or knowledge is required.
For more information, please visit https://www.think-philosophy.group/about/
Good Slut—Conversation & Book Signing With Author Zoe Strimpel
If an alien landed in Britain of 2026, it might well conclude that things have never been worse for women. That to be a woman in the neoliberal, post-sexual revolution West is just a vale of tears: bodily, emotionally, reproductively, and socially. Except, that's not at all the truth, is it?
In Good Slut, Zoe Strimpel argues the exact opposite, that things have never been better for women, and the fact that this is a taboo shows how far off the right piste we're going. She takes aim at what she sees as a culture of female victimhood, arguing instead that women in the modern West enjoy unprecedented freedom—socially, sexually, and economically. The book is a forceful defence of the sexual revolution and a call to embrace agency, ambition, and desire without apology. It argues for a proud promiscuity: not just sexual, but in all other things too.
This argument has sparked sharp disagreement. Critics have questioned whether Strimpel downplays the real costs of modern dating culture, from the effects of pornography and dating apps to the persistence of exploitation and dissatisfaction. Others argue that her dismissal of “victimhood” overlooks genuine problems—or that her vision of liberation risks collapsing into a defence of whatever currently exists. 
Join us for a candid conversation on sex, freedom, and the deeper ideas at stake: what does genuine independence actually require—and is modern culture helping us achieve it, or standing in the way?
GREEN £5 WALK - 🌳🌲💧🌱 MONKEN HADLEY WOOD.
WOODLAND TRAILS, LAKES, MEADOWS.
**WALK START POINT:High Barnet Tube Station** (Northern Line - Zone 5). Outside the station look for Ken with the Kens Events/Meetup badge.
WALK ROUTE: King George's Playing Fields, Hadley Common, Monken Hadley Common and Woods.
WALK DISTANCE: Approx 5.5 miles.
WALK END POINT: At Cockfosters Underground Station ( Piccadilly Line - Zone 5).
WALK STOPPING OUT POINT: We cross some London bus routes approx. halfway through.
**Scroll down to see Disclaimer and Notice of Risks.**
Please arrive in good time to allow opportunity to use toilets at the start of the walk as there may not be any toilet breaks available during the walk.
**COST of EVENT**:
**All of the walks on this group are only £5 each to attend. Payment is not collected before the day of the event to allow you maximum flexibility. Why pay more on other groups for overpriced walks with no afterwalk socialising!!**
**The walk is free for holders of the Ken's Events Membership Card.**
Please post no pre-event messages unless you are posting something relevant for the whole group and only post photos of other members with their consent.
Kens Events also has a Facebook Page, Instagram and Twitter accounts.
[[http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events](http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events)](http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events)
Instagram Page
[Kenswalks](https://www.instagram.com/weekendgreenwalks/)
Twitter
[@KenEvents](http://www.twitter.com/KenEvents)
Kens Events also has a Facebook Group that you can join.
[[http://www.facebook.com/groups/Kensevents](http://www.facebook.com/groups/Kensevents)](http://www.facebook.com/groups/kensevents)
When you arrive at the station look for Ken with Kens Events Badge outside the station.
RAIN POLICY: Our walks normally go ahead as planned even if it rains. Light rain is not usually a problem . However if torrentail rain is forecast, please check back to this webpage on the morning of the event around 10am for the latest update.
Unfortunately no large dogs and small children are permitted on these walks.
**NOTICE of RISKS applicable for all walks:**
Please dress appropriately for weather and terrain conditions.
Only wear good sturdy shoes, with ankle support, and carry a bottle of water and necessary medication. You need to be moderately fit for this walk and able to walk for at least 8 miles. This walk is suitable for the average experienced hill walker. Expect some hills. Do not attend this walk if you do not fit that description or if you have a medical condition (especially heart and/or lung conditions) that may impact upon your capability of completing the walk.
These walks are city walks and countryside walks where all the usual risks of injury during such walks apply resulting from interactions with road traffic, joggers, cyclists, e-scooters,other members of the public, animals (farm, domestic and wild), plants (allergic reactions), uneven surfaces, including portruding tree roots and potholes and there may be low overhanging branches.
In these walks we cross busy roads, use towpaths alongside water, bridlepaths, country lanes and sometimes ill defined paths and tracks through woodland, bush and countryside. Some tracks may be muddy and slippery, and conditions may be wet and icy. The walk leader is not and does not purport to be a professional guide, or a medical professional, but is instead a like minded individual who also enjoys hill walking and who is familiar with the intended route.
Do not attend this walk unless you accept and consent to the above risks. If you require insurance for these walks then you must arrange this yourself.
WANT TO COME ON ANOTHER WALK?
For a list of future walks go to[ http://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/](https://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/)
**DISCAIMER**
All Ken's Events are subject to a disclaimer. Please click here
[https://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/](https://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/)
to find out more about Kens Events/Walks and click on 'read more' to see full disclaimer.
LGBTQA+ Online Support Group - Recovering from Religion
**GO TO EVENTBRITE FOR LINK TO MEETING:**
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/594084461617?aff=oddtdtcreator
This is an RfR-wide event, not tied to a particular location.
\*NOTE: This meeting is solely for individuals who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Asexual, or any other non-traditional gender or sexuality. Please do not join if this does not describe you.
The Recovering from Religion LGBTQA+ VIRTUAL support group will meet the 3rd Sunday of each month @ 2pm Central Time (USA), unless the date falls on a holiday.
This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom, and a link will be provided upon registration through 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.
Real names are not required. Cameras are not required to be on.
No disrespect will be tolerated. Trolls will be ejected and reported immediately. Late attendees may or may not be admitted, at the hosts discretion.
What Recovering from Religion Is About
Do you doubt your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith?
You are not alone—and we are here to help.
Recovering from Religion (RfR) exists to provide ongoing, personal support for individuals who are examining, changing, or choosing to let go of their religious beliefs. We are not here to deconvert anyone or tell you what to believe. We are here to offer understanding, support, and healing during what can often be a challenging and emotional transitional period.
This kind of transition can bring a wide range of feelings and may have a ripple effect across many areas of life. RfR Support Group meetings are designed to be safe, anonymous spaces where you can openly share doubts, fears, and experiences—without judgment, proselytizing, or biased feedback.
If you need someone to talk to before your meeting date, RfR offers both a hotline and an online chat for immediate support.
Call (844) 368-2848 or visit www.recoveringfromreligion.org to chat online.
There is no cost to attend our support groups. If you feel inspired to contribute, donations can be made at:
www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate
Please note that RfR volunteers are peer supporters, not licensed therapists. If you feel you may benefit from professional mental health support, we encourage you to explore the Secular Therapy Project. This service connects you with thoroughly vetted therapists who provide only evidence-based, non-religious treatment—no rosaries, no faith healing. Fees, insurance, and sliding scale options vary by provider.
Learn more at www.seculartherapy.org.
Looking for reliable information but don’t know where to start? Browse our extensive resource database:
https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/resources
Love what RfR does? Consider volunteering! We offer a variety of roles and would be glad to have you.
Explore opportunities at www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer
Unable to make it to a meeting—or want to attend more? Support groups are offered nearly every day, most of them online. You do not need to live in the same city or state to join a virtual group.
View our full calendar here: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/sg-calendar
Have feedback or concerns? Please share your thoughts with us through our anonymous feedback form:
https://forms.gle/abxkXCCPCbxjFQuY8
For all RfR links, programs, and resources in one place, visit our Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/RecoveringFromReligion
FREE SALSA CLASS THIS THURSDAY & FREE ENTRY @ Metropolis V
\*\*Fadi K & F K Dance team - present
The best Salsa Night the UK has ever seen.
**With FREE INTRO SALSA CLASS at 7:00PM**
& Free Entry All Night !!
Classes
7:00 PM - FREE INTRO TO SALSA CLASS
This Class is an introduction to our regular 2 hours salsa classes run every Thursday 7:30 & 8:30
**CROSS BODY SALSA**
7:30 Level 1 & Level 2/3
8:30 Level 1, Level 2 & level 3/4
Beginners / improvers / intermediate
**Teachers**
▪️Fadi K & Cristina Varga
▪️Camy Marina
▪️Tiffany Salsera
▪️Chris diamond
▪️F K Dance Team & Guests on Rotation
DJs
▪️ Fadi K & Guests on rotation
PRICES
£10 FOR 1 CLASS
£15 FOR 2 CLASS
A night brought & created by dancers to the dancers.
Great dance floor / Happy hour / ultimate location & late party till 11am.
More info
07907945534
SOLD OUT • TEiP DEEP: A small group, deep dive into a single Thought Experiment
A **smaller, quieter, and less rushed** edition of THOUGHT EXPERIMENTS IN PUBS.
At TEiP DEEP, we have the chance to spend a whole hour and a half on **one thought experiment**, exploring different perspectives, coming up with new questions, listening and learning from one another.
**How it works:**
\- We split into small groups for each chapter of the thought experiment \(3\-4\)\.
\- We shuffle every 25 mins to meet new people and change things up\.
\- And at the end we'll have a brief group reflection\, sharing ideas and insights \- this will be lightly facilitated to ensure that everyone has a chance to speak if they want to \(no pressure\)\.
Some simple ground rules to keep our conversation the best it can be:
* respect for one another’s perspectives, beliefs, time (etc.)
* confidentiality of personal stories
* own your perspective
* you don’t have to talk if you don’t want to.
Our aim is the same as our bigger Thought Experiments in Pubs meetups: **a chance to meet and talk at about meaningful, thought provoking things**.
Although we’ll be going a bit ‘deeper’, we’ll keep the intention to have an enjoyable evening, with good humour and fun.
Places are limited to 15-20 people and tickets are £5.
Please update your RSVP if you can no longer attend so that someone else can have your place.
**Who should come:**
Everyone! We believe that the more perspectives, the richer the conversation. This group is not about being experts in Philosophy, it is about *doing* philosophy. That is, bringing our various life experiences and lenses on the world to group discussions about the human experience, the nature of reality... etc. etc....
**Where we'll meet:**
The Fitzroy Tavern in Fitzrovia. The nearest Tube stations are Goodge Street and Tottenham Court Road.
Looking forward to meeting & talking with you :-)
If you would like to further support me & these meetups, please [subscribe to the newsletter](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/), [follow the instagram](https://www.instagram.com/thoughtexperimentsinpubs), and if you want to go above and beyond, you can [buy me a coffee](https://buymeacoffee.com/bonnyastor) ;-)
Thank you!
#inclusivity #openmindedness #deepdive #TEiPdeep #philosophy #greatconversations
**[SUBSTACK](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/)** \- reflections\, invitations and newsletter
**[WHATSAPP GROUP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/D13LHw5BV3rEtUtO3ORklC)** \- stay in the loop
**[INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/thoughtexperimentsinpubs/)** & **[FACEBOOK](www.facebook.com/thoughtexperimentsinpub)** \- see what we look like
**[WEBSITE](www.alltogether.one)** \- everything else
Free Thinker Events Near You
Connect with your local Free Thinker community
Drunken
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!
Sunday Brunch
Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!
ASH UU Topic: TBD
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!
Libera Animae - Freeing the Soul
Main Library, Meeting Room 2B
Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen).
Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection.
All backgrounds are welcome.




























