Photography

**Shake off the week at the Reggaeton Beginner Class at The Vibe!** Whether you’ve never danced before or just want to move your body and have a good time, this class is all about good energy, Latin beats, and letting loose. Expect empowering Reggaeton grooves, body rolls, confidence-boosting combos, and a whole lot of fun — no pressure, no judgment, just pure VIBES! Your teacher Nat (@nat.so.fun) will guide you through all the steps, help you feel the rhythm in your body, and hype you up from start to finish! *Don’t be fooled by the number of people on the event page — our weekly crew ranges from 10 to 20 amazing humans: first-timers, regulars, and a few silent fans who never mark “going” but always show up 😉* *** ### **Booking is mandatory!** To secure your spot, please book in advance via our website: [BOOK HERE](https://www.thevibedance.ch/schedule) *** ### **Rates** 💃 Single Class: CHF 28 → Zurich Together Special: CHF 24 (15% off) Use code **"ZhT_VIBE"** at checkout *** ### **When?** **FRIDAY** **18:30 – 19:30 \| Beginner Reggaeton** *** ### **Where?** **The Vibe Dance Studio** Hohlstrasse 488 8048 Zürich (Just 3 minutes from Altstetten Train Station and 15 min from HB) *** ### **More info:** 🌐 [thevibedance.ch](https://thevibedance.ch/) 📸 Instagram: [@nat.so.fun](https://www.instagram.com/nat.so.fun) \| [@thevibedance.ch](https://www.instagram.com/thevibedance.ch) Got questions? Just text or call: 📞 +41 78 329 71 77 *** **See you on the dance floor – let’s Reggaeton together!** 💥🫶💃

**Join Us for Marketing Meetup Friday!** 🎯 Calling all marketers in Zurich – whether you’re slinging ad campaigns, crafting content, running strategy, or just curious about where marketing is heading next... this is the place for you! 🚀 We’re meeting up for an easygoing after-work apéro to chat, connect, and share ideas on how we’re all navigating the wild (and rapidly changing) world of marketing. Expect good atmosphere, great people, and the kind of conversations that don’t happen over Zoom. 😉 This meetup is part of a growing community of 500+ marketing professionals, entrepreneurs, and marketing enthusiasts based right here in Zurich. We kicked things off in May 2025, and since then we’ve been meeting monthly to swap ideas, grow our network, and inspire each other to get better at what we do. This is already our 8th event, and the energy keeps building! **When?** * Friday, February 20th at 19:00 **Where?** Schauspielhaus Schiffbau – at Schiffbau Bar 📍 Schiffbaustrasse 4, 8005 Zürich (Closest tram stop: Schiffbau – or just a short walk from Hardbrücke. on the opposit side of the main road to SOHO.) **What to Expect:** A cozy get-together with marketers of all stripes – agency folks, in-house pros, freelancers, entrepreneurs, brand builders, growth hackers, SEO nerds, and everything in between. Whether you come to swap ideas, make new connections, or just sip a glass of wine in good company – you’re welcome here. When you arrive, you will see a sign with our logo, and I (Antonia) will be there to say hi and point you towards the group. 👋 **WhatsApp:** Stay in the loop — join our [WhatsApp Community](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FrvMFseIB7SGFTKmeGoD7s) for real-time event updates and reminders. **LinkedIn:** Be part of the conversation — join our [LinkedIn group](https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13240084/) for key announcements, the latest community news, and to connect with fellow local marketers. **Do I Need to Register?** Nope! But if you hit "Going," it helps the bar staff (and us) know how many awesome people to expect. 💡 **Photos & Videos at the event** Please note that photos and videos will be taken during the event for documentation and promotional purposes (e.g. on our social media, and future event materials). By attending this event, you acknowledge and agree that you may appear in such photos or videos, and consent to their use and publication by the organizers. If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed, please inform the event organizer upon arrival. Got questions? Just drop a comment or message us directly. Let’s raise a glass to smart ideas, fresh inspiration, and great company. Looking forward to meeting you! 🥂✨

**If you would like to sign up, please TWINT the 8.- CHF to me at +41 78 317 7037. If you do not have TWINT, please let me know and we can figure out an alternative.** Join us for a pick-up football session at Sportanlage *Heerenschürli* on February 20th from 20:00 - 21:30! Football players of all ages, genders, and skill levels are welcome. We will be playing on half a pitch, so hopefully we can get a good 7- or 8-a-side game going. All you have to do is bring your football boots. I will provide balls and bibs. If you have any issues finding the group, my cell number is +41 78 317 7037 and my WhatsApp is +1 (440) 225-3090. ⚠️ By attending, you agree to the Swiss Kicks liability disclaimer in the group description and play at your own risk ⚠️

* See **[PHOTOS & VIDEOS](https://photos.app.goo.gl/o476bvQ6ZC8CGhG57)** of our previous events * **More events? Latest info on this event? Join** our zero-spam **[WHATSAPP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Ks9sGHsw16TIaJmDUQqoSi)** and **[INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/wearetheconnectionspace/)**. * Its **safe** to talk to anyone as we reserved 100% of the location and everyone attending is in the same open mindset **Meet friends** in **one** **free** and fun event with **many** connection activities: * **20:00 speed-friending** (glass room on ground floor) guaranteed process to meet new people while having fun - with moderator * **20:30 team versus team playful games** (glass room on ground floor) lets stop being serious and be childish again ! With moderator * **22:00 dance party** (glass room on ground floor) with reggaeton and hits * new-comer area * fun social card/board games * mindful card/board games * 3 chill-out rooms (if you prefer quietness) * big outdoors area * or simply **talk to anyone** ! . . Want to **host an activity** in 1 of our 4 private rooms? Workshops, games, connection activities, music, or any other ideas then send a message to Christos on 0768175380 . . **❤️ WELCOME HOME** @ **Connection Space❤️** ***Meet new friends. Reconnect with old friends. Feel at home*** . * Everyone is friendly and we booked 100% of the location so its **safe to talk to everyone** * **12.000+ attendees** in 80+ events in **4 years. THANK YOU** for creating our **homey offline** **community** ❤️ * ***The event is inspired*** *by the [Swiss Stammtisch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stammtisch) and Greek village coffeeshops ("[Καφενείο](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kafenio)"), once vibrant [community hubs](https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=569660528&sxsrf=AM9HkKlXnclaLfgcockKtdr9qHdmD5jaGw:1696060562834&q=greek+%5D(https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=569660528&sxsrf=AM9HkKlXnclaLfgcockKtdr9qHdmD5jaGw:1696060562834&q=greek+)%CE%BA%CE%B1%CF%86%CE%B5%CE%BD%CE%B5%CE%B9%CE%BF&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi52fX67dGBAxXnlf0HHZNiBHUQ0pQJegQICRAB&biw=1460&bih=913&dpr=2&udm=2) where people gathered daily. We innovate this concept with a modern twist. I, Christos, fondly remember visiting these with my grandfather and now revive this fading tradition with a modern twist. Hope you enjoy it ❤️* * 95% of people come **solo** \- you can too❤️ * **Everyone is welcome**! Wir wollen gerne mehr **Schweizer/innen** dabei haben! Alle sind willkommen und die meisten können Deutsch sprechen. Not an expat event. **Everyone is welcome**! * **NEW** we received the official **"Super Host" award** from meetup.com in Jan 26! * The "**Connection Space**" meetup group is an independent meetup group and is **only** associated with "**[Career Direction Space](http://meetup.com/career-direction-space/)**" group and no other meetup group * Do you **really** **care** for people and want to help hosting this event? Join our **hosting team - its so much fun**! (msg Christos 0768175380) * **4.7 / 5.0** rating from **2000+** reviews in meetup.com * **Testimonials** (scroll to "photos" section to read testimonials) *"The best event I know on Meetup to connect to new friends."* *"First participation, an evening to remember!"* *"So far in 7 years this is the first time I see a really good organised event!"* *"Mega schön" "Had a blast!"* *"I was positively surprised. They organized everything so well; I met some interesting, friendly people. I highly recommend it"* *"Great! Everything excellent, super organized... lots of people. Great atmosphere"* *"I am really grateful for the warm atmosphere, inspiring moments"* * We encourage no/low alcohol consumption and only allow responsible behaviours. . . . . . Want **more info** than our Summary above? Then please read below: . . . . . **WHY?** we ❤️ **uniting people** and building **community** while having **fun!** We truly believe that **fun meaningful offline connections** to new & existing friends makes us truly happy and healthy! Our community meets **every 2 Fridays** in a **homey,** caring and **welcoming** "come as you are" environment ! . **WHAT is this event?** We are not a "party or drinks" meetup, nor we follow a "forced" process and agenda. Instead, we are a **Connection Community** inspired by Greek village cafes and Swiss Stammtisch — a welcoming environment where neighbours gathered as equals to share stories and build lasting friendships. We meet in a "**fixed-rhythm**" every 2 Fridays in a **homey** & **lovingly-hosted space** so you can connect with new and familiar faces. We provide **several optional activities** to help you **connect** with others—so you're free to **explore what resonates** with you! Together these activities create a unique **Connection** **Event.** . **HOW? Today's activities** are: * **🥳new comer area** (never was easier to spark a conversation, with ice-breakers, optional for first time attendees) * **🤣fun social games** (like "cards against humanity" and more - read game names below) * **🧘mindful games** (no small talk, connect deeper, from [The School of Life](https://www.theschooloflife.com/shop/?_product_type=games-card-sets) \- read game names below\) * **👯 20:00 - 20:30 Speed-friending** (glass room on ground floor) guaranteed process to meet spark new fun discussions and meet new people - with moderator) * **🙀 20:30 - 21:00** **Team Versus Team Playful games** (glass room on ground floor) to stop being so serious, stop adulthood and be silly ! * **🕺 22:00 - 00:00** **Dance Party** (glass room on ground floor) lets dance the week away with reggaeton & hits * 🏭 beautiful **homey** industrial location in downtown ZH * 🇩🇪**German-speaking** area (falls du nur Deutsch sprechen möchtest) * **🏠 chill-zones** in private quiet rooms (if you want to talk or play games in quietness) * 👬 or simply **hang-out** and **meet new & old friends** **without** a process ❤️ . . . **TIPS on how to connect:** * **Look out for a good smile/vibe** in a person/group of 2-3 people and say "Hi my name is xxx, can I join?". * **Try something different** (person, game, table, activity) often until you find **fun** **quality connection.** We have a lot of activities * **Ask** **Support:** we understand going out to meet friends can be a stretch. We make this easy with a fun and safe event. Also you can ask for help from our clearly communicated (see photos of this event) "**People Connectors**" who can help you discreetly to connect with others * **Invest time**(not quickly just come by) as friendships are an investment * **Come back**: big turnaround, people come randomly at each event, so you never know who you ll meet . . **.** **Some final words:** * **Bravo** **to you** for the courage to go out to meet new people! We know **everyone is unique** \- thats why we got a big new\-comer area\, 4 co\-hosts welcoming and connecting you\, and many activities for you to **choose** from to find what **suits you**! * **Weather?** Event takes place rain or shine, with indoors rooms and outdoors area that is ultra rain-protected * **Coming late?** no problem, we got many people until closing at 00:00 so come whenever! * **Too many attendees?** no problem, we got the space! Also as per the "what" above: you define what makes the event meaningful for you! Furthermore, the co-organisers have one goal: to say hi and introduce you to the event and people (if you want to please ask)! Finally remember: you dont have to talk to everyone, focus in a few people! Less is more! 😃 If you dont know where to start look for a good smile or an activity more matching to you. From there keep on trying people and activities.. * **Why so many options above for connection?** We always have: a first-timer area, Fun social games, Mindful games, ice-breaker questions or simply just talk freely to anyone. Often we add: Speed-friending and a Music jam. We believe **you are unique** and each of us prefers different ways of connection. Also we want to provide an opportunity for everyone to try something new * **Easy and Safe:** We have the whole location reserved for us so its safe to open up and meet new friends (unlike bars in Zürich where people find it strange if strangers talk to them). Christos and volunteers will also help with connection. Read more info below. * **Christos** (see [PHOTO](https://photos.app.goo.gl/pdtVaVGCyDEJ28uE8)) and our co-organisers will be wearing name budges and will aim to **welcome** **everyone.** * more info via our **[LINKS](http://linktr.ee/connectionspace)** * Yes YOU are **good** & **courageous** for looking for new fun connections! * Everyone is in same situation and you ll be surprised how **friendly people** are ❤️ * Come **early** though **later** also ok as many people there **until 00:00** * **It works**! We heard of many new friendships, living together and even getting a new job * **Mindful Connection Games:** from [The School of Life](https://www.theschooloflife.com/shop/?_product_type=games-card-sets) available: Confessions Game, The Friendship Game, Connection Game, The Loser Game, Games for grown-ups and three sets of "100 questions" (Conversation Toolkit & Careers & Relationships) * **Fun Social Games:** bring your own **board/card games** or choose from: Cards against humanity, Exploding Kittens, Codenames, Debatable, Sotally Tober, Taboo, Mafia, Uno, Monopoly and more. . . . . ``` Disclaimer & participation terms (Connection Space): By registering for and/or attending this event (“Event”), you agree: Registration required. Follow organizer/venue instructions; we may refuse entry or remove anyone for safety/behavior.You attend voluntarily and at your own risk; risks include injury/illness, conflicts/harassment, emotional distress, and property loss/damage.To the maximum extent permitted by law, Connection Space/organizers/staff/venue/partners aren’t liable for injury, loss, theft, damage, or costs; this doesn’t limit liability where unlawful (e.g., gross negligence/intent).Zero tolerance for violence, threats, harassment/discrimination, unwanted touching, weapons, illegal drugs, or unsafe/excessively intoxicated behavior. Report issues; we may remove participants and contact security/police/emergency services.You’re responsible for your health/fitness, alcohol use, transport home, allergies/diet; no allergen-free guarantee.You’re responsible for your belongings and any damage you cause.Photos/video/audio may be recorded and used for marketing by Connection Space/partners; opt out by telling us at check-in (we’ll try, but can’t guarantee exclusion from background footage).You must follow third-party venue rules; we may change schedule/location/format for safety or operational reasons. Finally, the organisers have the right to refuse entry with and without a ticket as the organizers see fit. In case of a ticket purchase a full refund will be made in that case. ```

Hello dear tennis enthusiast. Every Friday morning we meet up for our “Adult tennis group sessions” in Zurich. It is open for both women and men. You will train in groups of max 4 players per 1 court Level: 10am Beginners Group 1 Fee : 70 CHF per person (all included) Monthly payments are preffered, this way you have guaranteed booked slot for the whole month. We train on nice clay courts at TA Frauental during the summer and winter season. To Book your spot please send payment via Twint in advance min. 48 hrs before the event starts - Twint number is +41 78 257 75 42 (feel free to message me for more info via Whatsapp on +41 78 257 75 42) Cancellation policy: Please notify me at least 48 hrs before the start of our training session, so I can find a replacement for you, if replacement not found you can invite your friend to take your slot otherwise you lose the fee. If you want to improve your tennis game, JOIN us and lets train together. See you on the court!

SUNDAY FUNDAY Join us for our monthly Brunch catch up :D **All you can eat!** A delicious selection of hot and cold options 1 Coffee or Tea and 1 Orange Juice included. After midday Pasta options also become available CHF 48.00 per person Menu Info [HERE](https://www.ambrosi.ch/sonntags-brunch/) Limited seating / ONLY BY CONFIRMATION Please **join the chat** **[HERE](https://chat.whatsapp.com/ImecPuRlcMx0ND8RBp19Y5)** and **seating has to be confirmed** in the chat!

Every last Sunday of the month ( Women only event) A chance to meet - swap books, grab a coffee and have a chit chat How it will work • Bring a book or two you have read and happy to swap (please do not expect it to be returned we are swapping ) • Grab a coffee have a chat and browse through the books on offer • Rule - please take the same amount of books you donate ( this enables all who donate get a book and also means the host is not carrying home left over books 😅) * If you dont have a book - please still feel free to join for coffee and chit chat join the WhatsApp chat here https://chat.whatsapp.com/IQ44Sqnm2iIDanJAEzqAzb

**⚠️ Ticket needed :** [https://social-circle.ch/](https://social-circle.ch/) 🥐 **Brunch & Museum of the Future** **Singles only \| Ages 30–45** Looking to meet new people in Zurich in a relaxed and meaningful way — without loud bars or forced small talk? Join us for a curated brunch at **Ribelli**, followed by a shared cultural experience at the **Museum für Gestaltung Zürich**. ✨ **Why join?** * Meet like-minded singles (30–45) in a natural, pressure-free setting * Connect through a shared experience, not just small talk * Enjoy the perfect mix of social interaction, culture, and creativity * Ideal for those who appreciate curiosity, deep conversations, and good vibes 🍽 **Brunch at Ribelli** At **Ribelli**, Italian hospitality meets urban flair. Inspired by the Mediterranean—from Sicily to Tuscany—the menu is fresh, colourful, and made to be shared. Ribelli is a lively place to sit together and enjoy Mediterranean joy of life – spontaneous, sociable, and relaxed. 🎨 **Museum Experience** After brunch, explore the **Museum für Gestaltung Zürich**, home to Switzerland’s largest international design collection. The **Swiss Design Collection** presents around 2,500 objects spanning graphic design, typography, poster design, textiles, product design, and applied arts. Dive into the archive, see the objects up close, and discover the unique stories behind each creation. The integrated studio allows you to experiment, create your own designs, or simply enjoy the creative atmosphere. 💬 **Join our group for this event:** [https://chat.whatsapp.com/FoJN0DzRQgF232huSHiGOi](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FoJN0DzRQgF232huSHiGOi) ℹ️ **Practical info** * Included: museum entrance * ❗Food is not included * Limited spots to keep the group intimate and balanced * Come solo — leave inspired, connected, and maybe with someone new to explore the future with ​**Important:** Tickets are **non-refundable**. Pictures might be taken during the event, if you do not want it please let the organizer know. ​Want more events like this? Join our WhatsApp community: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/DNCKCapTzlSKqBqS8EQckJ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DNCKCapTzlSKqBqS8EQckJ)

**Join us for a refreshing Saturday morning cold-water swim at Katzensee!** We’ll meet at **9:00 AM** at the usual spot by the lake, do a short warm-up, and then go into the water together. All levels are welcome — beginners and experienced winter swimmers. **What to bring:** * warm hat * towel * water shoes (optional) * warm clothes for after the swim * a thermos with tea (optional) We’ll swim for a short time, enjoy the fresh morning energy, and warm up together afterwards. If you’re ready to start your weekend with nature, cold water, and good people — join us!

**⚠️ Ticket needed :** [https://social-circle.ch/](https://social-circle.ch/) Ready to swap screens for fresh air and new faces? 🌲✨ Join us for a **forest walk + guided Speed Friending rounds** — and a highlight stop at **Hardwaldturm** for a panoramic view. We’ll finish with a cozy **local café hang** in Kloten (optional food/drinks) and a few rounds of deeper conversation. 📲 **Join our WhatsApp chat for live updates + last-minute details:** (if you run into trouble open it in WhatsApp Web on your desktop) [https://chat.whatsapp.com/HGKLziV4s7bLZWEiouTQhi](https://chat.whatsapp.com/HGKLziV4s7bLZWEiouTQhi) 📍 **Timeline (Updated):** * **11:20** Meet at **Zurich Main Station (HB), under the main clock** (details in WhatsApp) 🕰️ * **11:49** Take the **S7 toward Winterthur** from **platform 41/42** 🚆 * **12:05** Arrive in **Kloten** * **12:10** Start the **forest walk + Speed Friending rounds** 🌳🤝 * **12:45** Arrive at **Hardwaldturm** — enjoy the panorama view 📸 * **13:00** Head back toward **Kloten** * **13:30** **Local café stop** (food option) + a few rounds of **Deep Talk** ☕🗣️ * **14:45** Head back to **Zurich Main Station (HB)** In case of bad weather we do a shorter walk and extend the cafe part 🌦️☕ *** ## Disclaimer Participation in this event requires a valid ticket, which must be purchased in advance via the link provided in the event description. Please note that tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. We do not accept cash payments on the day of the event. To ensure a smooth and safe experience, we kindly ask all participants to follow the instructions and announcements from the event organizers. While our team works hard to create an enjoyable and welcoming atmosphere, attendance is at your own risk. We want everyone to feel comfortable and respected. If you encounter any issues or uncomfortable situations during the event, please speak directly to a member of our team — we’re here to help. We reserve the right to exclude participants from the event if they do not adhere to basic standards of respectful interpersonal behavior. This decision is at the discretion of the responsible organizers. By signing up, you agree that any content captured during the event (including photos and videos) may be used on Social Circle’s social media channels and those of our partners. Please be aware that we cannot wait for late participants, as this disrupts the planned group flow and connections. If you're delayed or choose a different route, it’s your responsibility to catch up with the group. **Pictures** might be taken — please tell the host if you prefer not to be in them. Tickets are **non-refundable**. Join our WhatsApp community to stay updated on future events: 👉 [https://chat.whatsapp.com/DNCKCapTzlSKqBqS8EQckJ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DNCKCapTzlSKqBqS8EQckJ)

TOPIC (Getting Ready for Spring Macro Photography): Insects are hatching, and flowers are blooming soon. Join us for a presentation on Spring Macro photography and get primed for the photographic season ahead. Meeting Schedule: 1. 6:00 - Introduction, Meet New Members 2. 6:10 - Old Business 3. 6:20 - New Business 4. 6:30 - Pre-Shoot Briefing/Education 5. 7:15 - Break 6. 7:30 - Image Critique 7. 8:00 - Adjourn Pre-Shoot Brief/Education: NIK Collection 8 Image Critique: Previous Photoshoot Images (iPhone images and Christmas Cards). If anyone has images they would like critiqued, please provide them at the beginning of the meeting. Providing Images for Critique: For now, I will collect images at the beginning of the meeting on a USB memory stick. My computer has USB-C ports, so a USB-C memory stick or one with dual (USB-C / USB-A) ports will be needed. Images should follow these format rules: JPG - 80% quality or higher 132 dpi resolution 2048 pixels across the long edge Embedded colorspace - sRGB

**Back By Popular Request!** Spend an evening exploring the ins and outs of flash photography and off-camera lighting techniques. We will be in the studio for this meeting and will learn how to use supplemental lighting to improve our images! **Meeting Schedule:** 1. 4:00 - Introduction, Meet New Members 2. 4:10 - Old Business 3. 4:20 - New Business 4. 4:30 - Pre-Shoot Briefing/Education 5. 6:00 - Break 6. 6:05 - Continue Presentation 7. 7:00 - Adjourn

Okay, so here's another one by request... **"An Evening with Topaz Labs"** The Topaz Labs tools are regarded as some of the finest photo editing plug-ins that you can add to your photo editing workflow. From noise reduction to resizing to sharpening, the results of these plugins are highly regarded and well reviewed in industry editing blogs. Join us for the evening and I will give you a preview of the most popular Topaz Lab tools and show you how I have used them in my digitial editing workflow. Meeting Schedule: 1. 6:00 - Introduction, Meet New Members 2. 6:10 - Old Business 3. 6:20 - New Business 4. 6:30 - Pre-Shoot Briefing/Education 5. 7:15 - Break 6. 7:30 - Image Critique 7. 8:00 - Adjourn Pre-Shoot Brief/Education: Topaz Labs Image Critique: Previous Photoshoot Images (TBD). If anyone has images they would like critiqued, please provide them at the beginning of the meeting. Providing Images for Critique: For now, I will collect images at the beginning of the meeting on a USB memory stick. My computer has USB-C ports, so a USB-C memory stick or one with dual (USB-C / USB-A) ports will be needed. Images should follow these format rules: JPG - 80% quality or higher 132 dpi resolution 2048 pixels across the long edge Embedded colorspace - sRGB

TBA...

TBA...

**Back By Popular Request!** Once you have spent an evening in the studio, you need some refreshments. Join us at Local Cantina in Bridge Park to recharge your energy! **Meeting Schedule:** 1. 7:10 - Chips and Salsa

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!