Intellectual Discussions

🌿 Hyde Park Summer Singles Picnic & Sunset Walk \| Ages 25–46 Looking to meet like-minded single professionals in a relaxed, natural setting? Skip the noisy bars and awkward speed dating. Join us for a summer evening in the heart of Hyde Park, where great conversations happen organically. We'll meet outside Serpentine Bar & Kitchen before settling on the grass for a casual picnic, followed by a scenic walk around the Serpentine as the sun begins to set. There will be a few light-hearted icebreakers to help everyone get to know one another, but the focus is simply on enjoying good company and genuine conversation. Whether you're new to London, looking to expand your social circle, or hoping to meet someone special, this is a welcoming space to connect with interesting people in a relaxed atmosphere. 📅 Date & Time Thursday 2/7/26 6:45 PM – 9:00 PM 📍 Meeting Point Outside Serpentine Bar & Kitchen, Hyde Park. Please arrive by 6:45 PM so we can begin together. 🌿 What to Expect 6:45 PM – Welcome and introductions 7:00 PM – Fun, relaxed icebreakers to help everyone mingle 7:30 PM – Picnic, conversation and socialising 8:15 PM – Sunset stroll around the Serpentine, with opportunities to chat with different people along the way 9:00 PM – Finish, with the option to exchange contact details if you make a connection Who Is This For? ✔️ Singles aged 25–46 ✔️ Professionals and like-minded individuals who enjoy meaningful conversation ✔️ People looking to meet others in a relaxed, respectful and friendly environment This is not a speed dating event. There is no pressure, no name tags and no forced matching—just an enjoyable evening meeting new people in one of London's most beautiful parks. What to Bring • A picnic blanket or something comfortable to sit on (optional) • Your own food and drinks • Comfortable shoes for the walk • A friendly attitude and an openness to meeting new people Group Values We aim to create a warm, welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable. Please be respectful, be present, and help make new members feel included. Genuine conversations and kindness are what make these events memorable. Come on your own or with a friend—most people attend solo, and we'll make sure everyone feels welcome. We look forward to spending a wonderful summer evening with you! If the weather is unsuitable, the event may be postponed or an alternative venue will be announced via Meetup. ⚠️ Safety Disclaimer: This is a free, casual community gathering. Attendees are entirely responsible for their own personal safety, behavior, and belongings at all times. The organiser accepts no liability for any incidents, injury, or loss during the event. By attending, you confirm you are an adult (18+) and accept full personal responsibility.

First event will be drinks in a pub. Exact location and time TBC. Probably in Clapham.

Please do join us on Thursday at Christ Church Mayfair (CCM) for an evening of snacks, socialising, fun, and a short talk on the Christian faith. We've loved seeing so many people come along to this monthly event (to be clear most are not from meetup!), but always awesome to have more! No need to bring anything, do let those providing snacks if you are allergic to anything, there will be hand sanitizer on arrival. This should also provide an opportunity to practice your English, there will be lots of different nationalities present and many languages spoken though if you need any help. This is a monthly event that takes place on the first Thursday of the month and so if you can't make it this month please join us on June 5th for Festa Junina, a Brazilian festival. CCM is in the centre of London, situated near Hyde Park Corner on Down Street and is a short walk from both Green Park and Hyde Park Corner Tube stations. Please arrive for 7:30, there will be people ready to welcome you and chat with you from then. Looking forward to meeting you!

Here is a recap of how the Club works: 1\. We meet every six weeks or so in or near the National Theatre\. 2\. We vote in advance and pick two articles from a short list to read before we meet\. Usually one relates to politics/current affairs and the other to history\, culture or science\. 3\. We talk about each one for around half an hour and the beauty of Article Club is that we can think more deeply about the broader themes of a topic\, and how well the article gets to grips with them\. 4\. We each give a score out of 10 for the articles that have been discussed\. 5\. We set the date for the next Article Club and sometimes adjourn to the pub\. I will post in the comments a Google form that you can use to vote for the articles you would like to read and discuss at this event. The point of Article Club is to challenge ourselves to read a diverse range of articles, share them with like-minded people and deal with our anxiety that we aren't reading books. Article Club was set up by Ross Bailey in 2015 who did a fantastic job at running it. Ross was followed by the equally fantastic Claire Ferraro and I (Alistair Baker) have been in the chair for the past eight years. OUR NEXT MEETUP: ARTICLE CLUB #77 Thursday 2nd July 2026 - 7:30pm to around 9:15pm. We sit on the soft round seats in the Lyttelton Theatre bar on the first floor.

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

Join the Prime Time Over 50s Social Group for a chilled out evening Following the success of our previous events, like the lively gathering at Oxford Circus, we would like to invite you to an evening that is perfect for mingling with like-minded individuals and making new friends and social connections. As you are aware this is a wetherspoons, so prices will be very reasonable

Дорогие друзья! Я приглашаю вас на встречу для практики русского языка как иностранного 🎉 📍 Где: Southbank Centre 🕖 Когда: каждый четверг в 19:00 💷 Стоимость участия: £5 В отличие от нашей традиционной встречи в пабе, это занятие будет более структурированным: • вы получите раздаточные материалы (handouts); • мы будем обсуждать интересные темы, делиться мнениями, дебатировать и играть — всё на русском! 🇷🇺 Эта встреча идеально подойдёт для тех, кто владеет русским языком на среднем уровне и выше, и хочет улучшить разговорные навыки в живом и увлекательном формате. Приходите — будет весело, полезно и по-русски! 😊

When people know they are being watched, by governments, corporations, or even those closest to them, something shifts. They begin to self-censor, to soften their opinions, to avoid behaviors that might invite judgment. Gradually, the performance becomes the person. What starts as caution hardens into habit, and habit reshapes identity. Without privacy, people are not acting from genuine values or beliefs. They are playing to an audience they can never fully see. A society built on constant surveillance may appear orderly on the surface, but beneath that order lies something quieter and more corrosive: anxiety, conformity, and the slow erosion of the self. When we lose the ability to exist unobserved, we lose something essential about what it means to be free. Is privacy a right, or is it a luxury? Can you freely think if you know someone is watching? Would you trade your privacy for safety? Here is a video you may like: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7JWIhJG5Xw](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7JWIhJG5Xw) *Please do your own research and share resources related to this topic in the comments below.* —————————————————————————————— **💛 Support The Examined Life** Enjoying the discussions? Please consider donating, it keeps us running. 👉 Donate here: [https://examinedlife.uk/donation/](https://examinedlife.uk/donation/) —————————————————————————————— **Join our Telegram group chat** Stay connected between sessions: [https://t.me/+o9T9DL5u6AcwMmRk](https://t.me/+o9T9DL5u6AcwMmRk) —————————————————————————————— **About the session** The Examined Life "Let's Discuss…" session is an open, welcoming discussion, no prior reading or expertise required. Format: * **13:15** Free-flowing group discussion on the topic * **14:00 (ish)** We split into smaller groups for deeper conversation on what interests you most * **16:00** Official end of the meetup. Most attendees stay on and keep chatting until around 18:00 —————————————————————————————— **Please RSVP accurately** Please update your RSVP if plans change, it helps us plan and frees up spots for others. —————————————————————————————— **Artwork:** The False Mirror 1929 by René Magritte

Come n chat all things US at American bar with plenty of authetic US drinks, burgers and fries to fuel the conversation. For those interested in Politics - we can also delve into the Prisdency whilst I do my best impersonation of the great founding father himself - G W. Donald Trump is constantly in the news with his wild antics but does his behaviour reflects genuine misunderstanding or a deliberate performance. Is his improvisational style and headline‑generating remarks simply reflect lack of preparation or is the unpredictability is intentional — a kind of political jazz improvisation designed to keep everyone else playing catch‑up. These disagreements often spill into discussions about how presidents shape public understanding of the U.S. Constitution, especially the parts about checks, balances, and who is supposed to do what without stepping on anyone else’s toes. Trump’s style is in stark contrast with earlier presidents. Over the years I spent studying and writing about American goverment - a few things were clear. **Obama** was a constitutional law professor who actually sounded just like one. Bill **Clinton** the policy explainer‑in‑chief, was capable of turning a simple question into a 40‑minute seminar. Ronald **Reagan**, meanwhile was the great Hollywood storyteller who could make democratic concepts sound like the opening narration of a feel‑good box office toping blockbuster. Perceived by many as a stupid film actor but the Berlin wall along with the USSR could still exist today without his audacious negotiating style that helped to secure personal and economic freedom for millions across Eastern Europe and the baltic states. These comparisons highlight how Trump’s blunt, rapid‑fire, often at times nonsensical approach breaks sharply from earlier rhetorical traditions. But there's a broader life lesson that any wise peron wil recognise: never judge a book by its cover, especially when the “cover” is a public persona crafted for cameras, crowds, and the occasional dramatic pause. In real life, people rarely reveal their true full selves at first glance. It usually takes time before the polished surface, the chaotic exterior, or the carefully curated image gives way to the real person - good or bad underneath. To further confound this mind fuck - the end observers bring their own assumptions and baises to the table, sometimes confusing their mere perceptions and confirmation biases burried deep in their sub conscious with truth, and mistaking manipulation performance for personality or vice versa. Here in the UK, our very own hate him or love him **Boris Johnson** is worthy of mention. Even before his political career started - his public personal had always led into theatrical chaos yet anyone who has personally met and spent more than a few mins with him behind cameras knows it's a huge great act and he is far more intellectual and talented than people could ever fathom. Compared to the current breed of mediocre MPs - he is a mordern day intellectual heavyweight naturally skilled as both a orator and animated debator. A stark contrast to the boring robotic charisma lacking Starmer who reads everything off a script. Boris represents a good example of how public performance and private capability often diverge dramatically — a reminder that political communication is often as much stagecraft as statecraft. Supporters of Trump sometimes argue that unconventional presentation can mask strategic intent, while critics interpret the same behaviour as inconsistency and stupidness. The ongoing debate highlights how modern audiences navigate the blurry line between authenticity, performance, and constitutional responsibility — all while trying to decide whether the show they’re watching is improvisation, method acting, or something in between. You don't have to have a background in political science or work in govt/politics but you need to be exceptionally very well informed and know what u are talking about! Those with an interest in policy research and strategy formulation in pursuant of improving the country and peoples' lives based on grounded real-world evidence instead of dogmatic ideology very welcome As for me: what u see is what u get, nothin more and nothin less The real-life idiot Lucas

We will meet at Richmond station on July 5th at 11:30 for a 12pm start. The session for July 5th is going to be a bit different. We will meet in Richmond and go for a walk in Richmond Park while using the menus of conversation. I am going to try more events outside and in nature. I have started drawing event posters and will draw another poster for next month. I would love it if you would be so kind as to check them out now on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/menusofconversation/ **Price** The event is a pay what you can event. You can tip whatever you think has been a fair price for your event experience. The suggested tip is a minimum of £4-5. You can pay with cash or card on the night. PS, if you've been before, please take a minute to complete my survey! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NZSZD88 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/menusofconversation/ and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/New-Conversation-104308482323373 **Event Description** This is a social event where people have the chance to have a one-to-one conversation with someone they may or may not have met before using a 'conversation menu' (picture attached). A conversation menu is a list of pre-written conversation starter questions which participants use to have a conversation by discussing the different questions. The questions are generally about some of life's big questions and lead to some interesting conversations about important, fundamental topics which we certainly don't get the opportunity to discuss every day. Some might consider our events to be 'small-talk free zones'. The event brings people together and invites people to discuss topics and answer questions they don't get to discuss on a daily basis, especially with people they don't know. The idea is that the more we talk about topics we don't normally talk about, to people we don't normally talk to in our habitual social circles, the more opportunities, connections and possibilities we create for ourselves. If we discuss different topics with different people, then we achieve different results. Testimonials for the events held so far include: 'For me it was a brilliant success and hopefully it will be for many others. It is a simple idea simply executed, asking people to pair up and discuss a number of questions on a list. And it works! Although I vaguely knew my partner, the questions allowed us time to touch on areas that I think we would have been otherwise unlikely to ever discuss e.g. which parts of your life have been a waste of time?' 'Surprisingly good and thoroughly worthwhile. Suggested questions excellent.' ‘I can heartily recommend coming along to a conversation event. The questions were really thought provoking and led to some fascinating conversations. I really enjoyed the evening and I came away with feeling I’d learned a lot from my conversation partner.” ‘I thought it was a very interesting meeting. I thought it was interesting to try to answer personal questions and listen to the other person.’

This week we will be delving into a real hot topic of the modern moment: immigration. Often, it is viewed as a black and white social issue, drawing a deep chasm between left and right, but is that really the true story? Crime, lack of housing, lack of jobs, strain on the NHS and benefits: What really are the impacts of immigration on our towns and communities? Economic theory is generally positive on migration, pointing towards increased GDP, employment and overall growth. However, many blame immigrants for various social ills. One of the important questions of this discussion could be: do those people have any point at all? Are the broad effects of migration the full story? Can the overall increases in GDP and employment rate really speak for migration on the whole? This promises to be a spicy one. Your reading materials are below the following starter questions for 10: 1. What do we mean by "migration"? Who are “migrants”? 2. Who benefits from migration, and in what ways? 3. What challenges, if any, do you think are caused by migration? 4. What is integration, and what aims should we have, if any, for the integration of migrants into our society? This week, we have no singular article to draw upon. Rather, a summary sheet has been pulled together from a few sources: [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lltuwyfxfTJvEy861LzlZK_kuzEbL8rdSGbfsMDwiEI/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lltuwyfxfTJvEy861LzlZK_kuzEbL8rdSGbfsMDwiEI/edit?usp=sharing) This is from where we shall draw our discussion. Extra to the sources in the summary are the following: [https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-payrolled-employments-by-nationality-region-industry-age-and-sex-from-july-2014-to-december-2025/uk-payrolled-employments-by-nationality-region-industry-age-and-sex-from-july-2014-to-december-2025#payrolled-employments-by-nationality-and-age-group](https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-payrolled-employments-by-nationality-region-industry-age-and-sex-from-july-2014-to-december-2025/uk-payrolled-employments-by-nationality-region-industry-age-and-sex-from-july-2014-to-december-2025#payrolled-employments-by-nationality-and-age-group) This is a release from the government on changes to numbers on payroll by various slices to citizenship categories.. [https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/internationalmigration/bulletins/longterminternationalmigrationprovisional/yearendingdecember2025](https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/internationalmigration/bulletins/longterminternationalmigrationprovisional/yearendingdecember2025) The latest Office for National Statistics bulletin on migration, discussing the provisional figures for 2025. [https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7590fee5274a545822c836/occ109.pdf](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7590fee5274a545822c836/occ109.pdf) Paper from 2014 on the topic of migration, seems to suggest that growing economies can absorb migrants easily, but recessed ones mightn’t be able to.

In this session we will read aloud some of the Tractatus Logico Philosoophicus by Ludwig Wittgenstein, and discuss it. One of the most difficult books of philosophy ever written, it attempts in no more than 79 pages to set out the limits of language, knowlege and reality. Bertrand Russell described it as "an achievement of extraordinary difficulty and importance" and a work of "philosophical genius". No preparation or background knowledge required for the session. We will read together, share explanations where we can, and form our reactions. Gather in Highgate Library from 3.15, read and discuss 3.30 to 4.30. Optional socialising in the Boogaloo pub afterwards.

Every week is a badminton academy for improver/intermediate/advanced standard. I also run thirteen teams that play in leagues out of the academy. Unfortunately this class does not cater for beginners! Wanting people who wish to enjoy and improve with games and advice with a coach who has played county and national level badminton, and has also played for England. Just come along, bring a racket, very friendly atmosphere! Class from 7.30 - 9.30pm weekly, £14.00 per session or £35.00 for three sessions t be paid up front and must be used within six months, payable by cash only. I have coached players from beginner to international standard. Please message me with any questions. Thanks

**🏛️ WHAT'S PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY ABOUT?** Practical Philosophy is a weekly meet-up that brings critical thinkers together for an opportunity to dive deep on a topic, practice communicating, and building a community. All with no ‘official’ philosophy knowledge required! 😎 Practical Philosophy is based on the idea that philosophy should be accessible to all, and not something reserved only for academics. Each week we choose a topic, and the goal is to use the conversation to develop our critical thinking and communication as we explore that topic. Please note that RSVP via the meetup app is mandatory, including for any people you bring along with you so we and the venue have headcount and know who is with us. The goal is to help develop our Critical Thinking, Communication, and Community 🙌 📓 **HOW DOES IT WORK?** Each week, we pick one topic and discuss it. The topic for the week is shared, generally in the [Whatsapp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B6fqS6HGujq8gb3a0kl5pS), along with jump-off points to get the conversation going. When groups get bigger than 7-8 people, it’s important that we break into smaller groups. This way we are able to maintain a conversational flow as opposed to having our meetups feel like a discourse or lecture. **General Meeting Agenda** Each Practical Philosophy meet-up follows this general timeline: * 14:00-14.15 - Arrive, take a seat so there is 4-7 ppl per table. Shuffle around if you want to sit at a different table to meet new faces, and do your table introductions. This is also when I check people in on the Meetup app. RSVP for you and any guests is mandatory. * 14:15-14:20 - Once everyone has been checked in on the Meetup app, I will give a short explainer on what PPC is about, read the guidelines, introduce topic’s jump-off points. * 14:20-15:20 - Kick off with general thoughts on the topic, open discussion afterwards. At this point the group can review the ‘jump-off’ questions as needed, but they are just there to help guide the conversation. It’s not obligatory to answer them. * 15:20-15:30 - We typically take a group photo. If you don't want to be in the group photo, there's no pressure, it's just a way to close out the meeting. We occasionally have an unofficial social so the different groups can mingle afterwards too, usually in the park with a board-game or we continue out discussions and hear what members on other tables discussed! **🧧PRICING?** Practical Philosophy Club is FREE to attend, and we operate on donations. If you'd like to donate to support our running costs, that helps keep our group self-sustaining. Donations are 100% voluntary, but your contribution is appreciated! QR codes to donate will be present. Tea’s and coffees and are paid by the individual should they wish to have them. **💛 WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY** 🗣 “I feel like Philosophy Club helps someone build their own belief system through a series of perspectives while not promoting what’s right and wrong” - Ekam 🗣 “I got hooked from day 1 (the topic was authority) and felt it was the right place for me. I feel it is a place where people can go to learn and discuss new perspectives and increase critical thinking and community by interacting with people who might challenge your point of views but at the same time encourage you to have openness and mind flexibility.” - Daniel **🤓 FAQ** * What will we talk about? What's the topic? The topic for the week is shared every week in the Whatsapp group before the session. We try to add the topic to the comment section on this event page as well but if you don’t see it, the topic and the jump-off points will be in our [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B6fqS6HGujq8gb3a0kl5pS). * Do I need to study or read anything to attend? No preparation is necessary. This isn’t a study of other thinkers. We want to know what YOU think about the topic, not what an old philosopher thought. If you have a perspective from a religion or a school of thought to share, throw it on the table and we’ll discuss it, but it's not required. * Is there a specific philosophy that Practical Philosophy is focused on? The goal of our meet-ups is to not have dogmatic discussions, and flex our critical thinking muscles. Because of this, we want to hear from every realm of thought, and don't study a particular school. * Is it mostly men that attend? Surprisingly, no! Although philosophy is seen as a Candelabra affair in a dark room with a bunch of guys, our Practical Philosophy meetups are generally 50/50 between genders, and we don’t meet in any dark rooms. * Can I come alone? Of course you can, we encourage it :) * Can I be late? Please don't be! We do have a 15 minute grace period where we allow people to funnel in while we hang out, but after that if you arrive too late, it disrupts the flow of the conversation. * Where do you meet? The location is posted in Meetup and our [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B6fqS6HGujq8gb3a0kl5pS) group for this location. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you join the Whatsapp group! If you want to know what other cities have a Practical Philosophy Club, you can see our chapters on our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/practical-philosophy-locations/). 🤝**POLICY** To respect our members privacy, we ask that no one privately message a member without first getting explicit consent. (This looks like speaking in person and being asked to message privately.) Contacting or texting other participants without prior consent is not permitted and may result in removal from the group. Practical Philosophy reserves the right to enforce this policy at its discretion to maintain a safe and respectful environment. **PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY - Making Philosophy Available To All.** ✨ Practical Philosophy hosts weekly, in-person meetups in 25+ countries, including Canada, Spain, Japan, Mexico and many more! 🗺️ \*\*\* Join our [Whatsapp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/B6fqS6HGujq8gb3a0kl5pS) 👈 Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/practicalphilosophyclub/?hl=en) 👈 Our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club) 👈

Hi everyone! We're Jared and Petria Walker, local real estate investors based in Columbus, Ohio, with a passion for short-term rentals and hospitality. We're looking to start a casual monthly Columbus-area meetup for entrepreneurs, investors, real estate professionals, and anyone interested in short-term rentals to share ideas, discuss market trends, learn from one another, and build meaningful relationships. Whether you're just getting started or have years of experience, we'd love to connect, collaborate, and grow together. We believe some of the best opportunities begin with great conversations. See you soon!

Let’s meet and discuss John Updike's Rabbit, Run, the first in his series of four novels following the life, hopes, and disappointments of former local basketball star, Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom, as he fitfully confronts and evades adulthood.

This is not an event, but an announcement that we are accepting new members. If you'd like to pursue joining our group, please read the "about us" section and then write us at columbusmensgroup@gmail.com with a few paragraphs about yourself, what you'd like to experience in the group, and the contribution that you'd like to make. Thank you!

Be prepared for an entirely different type of sci-fi movie! Unofficially, the second movie in director Lars von Trier's "Depression Trilogy," 2011 Melancholia depicts the events that occur before a rogue planet is about to collide with the earth. Considered by many to be a masterpiece, the film was included in BFI's 2022 Sight and Sound Poll of the greatest movies of all time. It is available at the library as well as on Kanopy.

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

Join the Introverts of Columbus at Quarry Trails Metro Park for an afternoon walk in the Park. We'll meet near the parking lot area for about 15 minutes before heading out to chat and hike through the metro park. This will be a casually paced walk to allow people to get to know each other, and enjoy nature at the same time. 🚨🚨 Please note that there are multiple parking areas for the Quarry Trails Park, and please note the address in the event to get to the correct starting area! 🚨🚨

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.