Short Stories

This group is for anyone interested in writing in English, whether it be prose or poetry or non-fiction. We get together once a week to listen, critique and support each other in our work. Attendees bring something they have written, six copies, printed out and no longer than seven pages, which they read aloud. They then receive feedback from the rest of the group. The size of the group is limited to 6, so that everyone is able to receive a full 30 minutes of constructive feedback including reading time. If you have nothing to read but would like to come and listen, you are most welcome too. We are an anglophone group and everything is conducted in English, in fact not everyone who comes can speak French. Please bear this in mind if you sign up.

👋 Qui veut intégrer un groupe d'amis en cours de constitution pour faire des sorties et activités ensemble sur Paris et la région parisienne ? Voici quelques exemples de sorties proposées dans ce groupe : ❇️ apéro, afterwork, bars, restaurants, brunch, pique-nique ❇️ ciné, concert, théatre, musée ❇️ sports (tennis, initiation au golf, hiit, running, escalade, etc.) ❇️ jeux de société (poker, loup garou...) et en plein air (mollky, pétanque...) ❇️ week-end ❇️ et tout ce que tu pourras proposer. 💥💥 Ouverture, respect et bienveillance sont les valeurs qui animent le groupe 💥💥 Si tout cela te parle, inscris toi à notre groupe "Sorties et rencontres amicales - Paris" pour être informé(e) de toutes les sorties, il vient tout juste d'être créé sur Meetup et nous serons heureux de faire ta connaissance lors d'une prochaine sortie 👋 Ne te fie pas au nombre de participants sur Meetup, nous sommes sur plusieurs sites et Meetup est le dernier sur lequel nous avons ouvert un compte. \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* BIEN LIRE ATTENTIVEMENT CI-DESSOUS \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **NB : INUTILE DE CLIQUER SUR "Participer" SUR CETTE FICHE.** Inscris toi juste au groupe et clique sur "Participer" uniquement sur les activités / sorties qui ont lieu de façon sure et certaine et qui sont toutes précédées des symboles 💥💥 devant leur titre. **Si dans le titre de la sortie il n'y a pas les symboles 💥💥 c'est que la sortie n'est pas confirmée.** Nos sorties (et celle d'autres utilisateurs) sont également publiées sur l'application gratuite de rencontres amicales Weezem : 👉 Appstore : [https://apps.apple.com/fr/app/weezem/id1547233803](https://apps.apple.com/fr/app/weezem/id1547233803) 👉 Google Play : [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.weezemapp](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.weezemapp) Tu peux aussi t'inscrire au groupe Whatsapp Weezem ici pour être informé(e) de nos futures sorties 👉 [https://chat.whatsapp.com/BoYNpq9JUyFB6RbIIDjblC](https://chat.whatsapp.com/BoYNpq9JUyFB6RbIIDjblC) A très vite. Patrice

Chér.e.s Group Elements, (Oui, comme dans un groupe mathématique 🧮🙂) Retrouvons-nous pour assister à cette conférence assez fascinante (et informative !) sur « **Sonder la nature de l'énergie noire avec le projet DESI »** par Pauline Zarouk (Laboratoire de Physique Nucléaire et de Hautes Énergies) 🌌 🌌 **Voici la description :** 🔭 DESI est un relevé spectroscopique de dernière génération dont le but est de sonder la nature de l'énergie noire, cette mystérieuse composante qui serait responsable de l'accélération de l'expansion de l'Univers observée à la fin des années 90 et dont le mécanisme demeure encore aujourd'hui l'une des plus grandes énigmes de la cosmologie moderne. 🗺️ DESI a débuté ses observations en mai 2021 et va collecter les spectres de plus de 60 millions de galaxies en 8 ans d'observations afin d'établir une cartographie 3D des grandes structures de l'Univers la plus précise. En effet, la façon dont les galaxies sont réparties dans le ciel nous renseigne sur plusieurs propriétés de l'Univers, comme la vitesse à laquelle il s'étend ou encore la vitesse à laquelle les galaxies se forment sous l'effet de la gravité. 🎙️ Au cours de cette conférence, je présenterai notre histoire cosmique basée sur des observations et sur un modèle cosmologique, puis la quête de la nature de l'énergie noire et enfin le projet DESI ainsi que ses derniers résultats. 📝 ~~Lien d'inscription~~ — **déjà complet** au moment de la publication ! Mais ne vous laissez pas décourager : **même si le lien indique que c'est complet, il est souvent encore possible de trouver une place en arrivant un peu en avance (par 19h10)** 🍀 La conférence est prévue pour commencer à 19h30. Vous pouvez toujours vérifier ici au cas où des places se libèrent : https://www.iap.fr/science/conferences/conferences_mensuelles/ https://www.iap.fr/science/conferences/conferences_mensuelles/form_reservation_conference.php https://www.iap.fr/science/conferences/conferences_mensuelles/resumes2026.html ▶️ et la seance **sera en direct** et replay sur son son chaine YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@InstitutdAstrophysiquedeParis **Même si le site indique que c’est complet, vous pouvez souvent encore trouver une place en arrivant un peu en avance.** 🍀 La conférence est prévue pour commencer à 19h30. 📍 **Accés :** https://www.iap.fr/accueil/acces/acces-fr.html 🍺 Ça dure normalement 60 - 90 mins. Ensuite, pour ceux qui souhaitent prolonger la soirée, on pourrait prendre un verre ou / et aller dans ce resto fast food assez bon près d'Alésia : Brasao Alesia- Restaurant poulet braisé Paris 14ème au 47 Av. du Général Leclerc, 75014 Paris https://maps.app.goo.gl/5QrggZkJYsdaTLUk6 À très bientot ! 🌌 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% **Dear Group Elements,** (Yes — like elements of a mathematical group 🧮🙂) Let's attend this fascinating (and informative!) talk on **“Probing the Nature of Dark Energy with the DESI Project”** by Pauline Zarouk (Laboratoire de Physique Nucléaire et de Hautes Énergies) 🌌🌌 **Description:** 🔭 Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) is a next-generation spectroscopic survey whose goal is to probe the nature of Dark Energy—this mysterious component believed to be responsible for the accelerating expansion of the Universe observed in the late 1990s, and whose mechanism still remains one of the greatest enigmas of modern Cosmology. 🗺️ DESI began its observations in May 2021 and will collect the spectra of more than 60 million galaxies over eight years in order to create the most precise 3D map of the Large-Scale Structure of the Universe. Indeed, the way galaxies are distributed across the sky informs us about several properties of the Universe, such as the rate at which it expands and the rate at which galaxies form under the influence of Gravity. 🎙️ During this talk, I will first present our cosmic history based on observations and on a cosmological model, then the quest to understand the nature of dark energy, and finally the DESI project and its latest results. 📝 ~~Registration link~~ — **already full as of posting!** But don't let that stop you: **Even if the registration appears full when you follow the link, it’s usually still possible to get seats if you arrive early (by 7:10 pm)** 🍀 The talk is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. You can still check here in case spots open up: [https://www.iap.fr/science/conferences/conferences_mensuelles/](https://www.iap.fr/science/conferences/conferences_mensuelles/) [https://www.iap.fr/science/conferences/conferences_mensuelles/form_reservation_conference.php](https://www.iap.fr/science/conferences/conferences_mensuelles/form_reservation_conference.php) [https://www.iap.fr/science/conferences/conferences_mensuelles/resumes2026.html](https://www.iap.fr/science/conferences/conferences_mensuelles/resumes2026.html) ▶️ And the session will also be available **live and replay** on IAP's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@InstitutdAstrophysiquedeParis 📍 **Acces**: https://www.iap.fr/accueil/acces/acces-fr.html 🍺It usually lasts 60–90 minutes. Afterwards for those who'd like to continue the evening, we could grab a drink and/or go to this pretty good fast-food restaurant near Alésia: Brasao Alésia – Grilled Chicken Restaurant, Paris 14th, 47 Avenue du Général Leclerc, 75014 Paris https://maps.app.goo.gl/5QrggZkJYsdaTLUk6 See you very soon! 🌌

Bonjour à tous ! Vous êtes passionné(e) par la Salsa Portoricaine On 2 et vous rêvez de vous perfectionner ? Ou vous dansez déjà la Salsa On 1 et souhaitez faire le grand saut vers le On 2 ? Vous êtes au bon endroit ! 👉 Le cours d’essai est proposé au tarif de **5€**. **INSCRIPTION COURS D'ESSAI :** [https://latinflow.fr/sinscrire-maintenant](https://latinflow.fr/sinscrire-maintenant) ### 📅 **PLANNING DES COURS :** 🔹 **Studios Micadanses** (Paris 4e) *15 rue Geoffroy l’Asnier – M° Saint-Paul / Hôtel de Ville / Pont Marie* **Mardi :** * 21h-22h : Salsa Portoricaine On2 – Débutant+/Inter **Mercredi :** * 19h-20h : Tonicité & Souplesse – Tous niveaux * 20h-21h : Bachata – Débutant * 21h-22h : Bachata – Inter/Avancé 🔹 **Loft Lechapelais (Paris 17e)** *6 rue Lechapelais – M° La Fourche / Place de Clichy / Rome* **Samedi :** * 14h-15h : Salsa On1 – Inter * 15h-16h : Salsa On1 – Débutant * 16h-17h : Bachata – Débutant Toutes les salles sont spacieuses et équipées de miroirs. ### 📲 **INFOS & RÉSERVATIONS :** * Tél : 06 27 48 50 88 * Email : yous.dance@gmail.com * Insta : @yous.dance / @cami.danse * Facebook : [Yous.dance](https://www.facebook.com/yous.dance) * Site : [https://latinflow.fr/](https://latinflow.fr/)

The Dissident Salon is a weekly poetry and performance series created as an extension of the DISSIDENT Club’s mission to provide a home for dissenting voices, hosted by Alissa Leeds. Rooted in the tradition of the literary salon, it treats writing and performance as public acts that question power and challenge the systems that shape our lives. Each week features a curated performer, followed by open mic sessions open to all. Work may be presented in English, French, or other languages. Multilingual expression is central to the space and reflects the realities of exile, displacement, and exchange that define the DISSIDENT Club. The Salon is an ongoing forum for people who speak publicly and think critically through art. It exists to build community and support sustained creative work within the broader ecosystem of the DISSIDENT Club. **When:** Every Tuesday, starting January 6th, 2026 **Sign-ups:** 8:00 PM **Sets:** Three 45-minute sessions at 9:00 PM, 10:00 PM, and 11:00 PM **Where:** The DISSIDENT Club, 58 rue Richer, 75009 Bring work that confronts. We offer the microphone.

**Trois Couleurs: Bleu - 𝒊𝒏 🇫🇷𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 🇬🇧𝒔𝒖𝒃𝒕𝒊𝒕𝒍𝒆𝒔** **🎬Date & Time: Tuesday, May 5th, Drinks at 7pm at Tournebride Bar and Screening at 8pm** **📽️Cinéma: Épée de Bois, 100 Rue Mouffetard, Paris 5** **🎟️Movie Tickets: €5.00 – €9.90** **https://achat.cine-epeedebois.fr/reserver/F288777/D1778004000/VF/264944/** **After the death of her husband Patrice, a great composer, and their daughter Anna in a car accident, Julie begins a new life, anonymous and independent. Olivier, Patrice's assistant, who is in love with her, tries to draw her out of her isolation by finishing the Concerto for Europe, a work left unfinished by the composer.** **Watch the trailer with English subtitles: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3A31--7Oh9k](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3A31--7Oh9k)**

**Némo Biennial 2025 is back in Paris and across Île-de-France! 🌟** This major event dedicated to contemporary and digital art explores the connections between the real, the virtual, and the imaginary. Expect immersive installations, audiovisual performances, and unique interactive experiences that push the boundaries of creativity. **What’s on the program?** • Artworks and devices that blur the line between humans and machines 🤖 • Captivating sensory and visual performances 🎭 • Innovative creations from artists, designers, and researchers from around the world 🌍 We will be visiting exhibitions at **CENTQUATRE-PARIS**, one of the key venues of this edition. It will be a great moment to share impressions, discuss the artworks, and enjoy an inspiring collective experience together. 💫 More information: [https://www.biennalenemo.fr/](https://www.biennalenemo.fr/) **Want to get more involved?** Become a **co-organizer, event organizer, or assistant organizer** and help plan the outing, suggest ideas, or give a hand so everything runs smoothly. 📩 **How to participate**: Just reply directly to this message on Meetup and let us know your interests or availability. Let’s organize everything together to make this an unforgettable experience! 💫 **Spread the word!** If you have friends or colleagues who might enjoy this kind of cultural outing, invite them to join our Meetup group! The more passionate people we have, the more fun, lively, and inspiring our experiences become. 🎊 See you soon, **The Art&More Team**

Avec ce nouveau format, nous nous réunissons pour participer à des concours de nouvelles officiels. Le concours choisi est : "Prés du but", à remettre avant le 30 juin. **Ca sera notre 2e rencontre articulée autour de ce thème.** Le lien vers le site : [https://concoursnouvelles.com/concours/concours-interculturel-de-nouvelles-6e-edition/](https://concoursnouvelles.com/concours/concours-interculturel-de-nouvelles-6e-edition/) L'objectif collectif est : \- d'écrire 2 pages maximum par mois ; \- de se retrouver une fois par mois ; \- d'échanger\, de lire son texte \(pour ceux qui le souhaitent\) ; \- de créer une dynamique de groupe ; \- de trouver et mettre en place sa propre discipline d'écriture\. Aussi, une **liste de diffusion** sera créé pour échanger nos textes, les mettre à disposition pour que chacun puisse y revenir, mais seulement une fois lu en présence des uns et des autres. Communiquez votre adresse mail si vous voulez faire partie de la liste de diffusion et des échanges après coup ! Bonnes et belles lectures et écriture et à bientôt ! Jélila PS : 1 - nous nous réunirons plusieurs fois (3 au total) pour le même thème et le même concours, bien sûr avant le 30 juin, date de remise des nouvelles.

Paris Lit Up open mic (PLU) Every Thursday in English (other languages too – when in Rome, speak French) at the historic home of French Slam poetry, Culture Rapide (103 Rue Julien Lacroix, 75020). If you would like to read, dance, sing or otherwise express yourself, sign up is open and free to all, starting at 20.00-ish. We go until we drop or run out of performers! In any language. Or no language at all. No limits, just respect. Plus, each week featured performers from around the world are invited to strut their stuff before our rowdy but respectful audience. For this week's special guest, see: www.facebook.com/ParisLitUp Not in Paris? Join us online at "PLU Live on Zoom"! Every Wednesday from 9pm CET. Just like an open mic, but we chat a bit too. Always the same link, hosts rotate: http://tiny.cc/PLUopenmic

This group is for anyone interested in writing in English, whether it be prose or poetry or non-fiction. We get together once a week to listen, critique and support each other in our work. Attendees bring something they have written, six copies, printed out and no longer than seven pages, which they read aloud. They then receive feedback from the rest of the group. The size of the group is limited to 6, so that everyone is able to receive a full 30 minutes of constructive feedback including reading time. If you have nothing to read but would like to come and listen, you are most welcome too. We are an anglophone group and everything is conducted in English, in fact not everyone who comes can speak French. Please bear this in mind if you sign up.

"Privée d'affection, Mary Lennox n'a jamais appris, dans son extrême solitude, à sourire ni à aimer. À la mort de ses parents, emportés par une épidémie de choléra, Mary quitte son Inde natale. Exilée dans le manoir anglais d'un oncle toujours absent, Mary trouve du réconfort dans l'amitié. Elle va partager avec Dickon et le rouge-gorge, un merveilleux secret : un jardin oublié de tous, dont la clef, comme par magie, ouvre aussi la porte des cœurs..." Vous avez envie de découvrir Frances Hodgson Burnett, une romancière britanno-américaine de la fin du XIXème et du début du XXème siècle ? Alors nous vous donnons rendez-vous dans l'ambiance cosy du Poinçon Paris pour échanger ensemble autour de ce roman, au cours d'un club de lecture. A l’issue de la séance, vous pourrez proposer un livre en lien avec la thématique de **"l'adaptation d'une fiction en film ou en BD"** et qui sera soumis au vote des participants pour le prochain Club de Lecture de la Plume en Question (Rappel des conditions : 300 pages maximum – format poche disponible)

## Details Hello writers, we are happy to meet you in our new permanent home: Bohème Coworking, located at 21 rue Sedaine in the 11th arrondissement. When you arrive, just tell the friendly folks at La Boheme reception that you are with the writing group. They will give you a little wooden knick-knack with the wifi codes and a number that they use to determine the cost based on time spent (it's 3,80 € per hour, paid at the end). ***Now, about Ready-Set-Write! ..*.** Ready Set Write! is a regular meeting of motivated writers who grab a beverage, then shut up and write. ***What it is:*** An opportunity for writers to get together and do short, intense bursts of writing. We write for 45-ish minutes, take a 15 minute break, rinse & repeat. ***What it is NOT:*** neither a forum for critiquing each other's work, nor shameless self-promoting your projects or groups. You pay for the time you spend, and have access to coffee, tea, and wifi. **AND FINALLY ...** * Register in advance, and only if you will join us in-person. * Update your RSVP if you cannot make it. * Please be respectful and considerate with our writing colleagues. ***Stay tuned for location updates!***

Ce soir, dans le cadre du cycle général, nous avons voté : **1 - "Une chambre à soi" de Virginia Woolf** "Bravant les conventions avec une irritation voilée d'ironie, Virginia Woolf rappelle dans ce délicieux pamphlet comment, jusqu'à une époque toute récente, les femmes étaient savamment placées sous la dépendance spirituelle et économique des hommes et, nécessairement, réduites au silence. Il manquait à celles qui étaient douées pour affirmer leur génie de quoi vivre, du temps et une chambre à soi..." Babelio **2 - "Les nourritures terrestres" d'André Gide** "André Gide, exalté, sensuel, lyrique. Les Nourritures Terrestres, oeuvre de jeunesse, est un hymne panthéiste. Il célèbre la vie, la nature, le désir. Sa composition est kaléidoscopique. Les genres y sont mêlés : notes de voyages, fragments de journal intime, rondes et ballades, dictionnaire poétique, dialogues fictionnels. Toutes les formes d'écriture sont convoquées pour dire l'ardeur avec laquelle Gide tente d'exister ..." Babelio ***On peut lire l'un ou les deux livres programmés.*** **Pour les présentations d'auteurs :** -Nicolaï fera une présentation d'André Gide pour donner du contexte à nos discussions ; \- Dominique fait la présentation d'auteur de Virginia Woolf **Pour les focus sur l'oeuvre :** \- Emile fait le focus sur l'oeuvre de" Les Nourritures terrestres ; \- Margot fait celui de "Une chambre à soi Et n'oubliez pas ! Partagez, si sous le souhaitez, quelques mots, passages et/ou citations qui vous ont marqués, touchés, et qui vous semblent importants à partager avec le groupe et les participants. Enfin, inscrivez-vous, je vous prie, uniquement si vous êtes sûrs d'être de la partie. Bien à vous tous, bonnes lectures, et à bientôt ! Jélila PS : la participation pour des raisons de frais liés à Meetup (240 euros par an) est de 2 euros par personne et par an. Mais elle reste facultative !

Hello writers, we are happy to meet you in our new permanent home: Bohème Coworking, located at 21 rue Sedaine in the 11th arrondissement. When you arrive, just tell the friendly folks at La Boheme reception that you are with the writing group. They will give you a little wooden knick-knack with the wifi codes and a number that they use to determine the cost based on time spent (it's 3,80 € per hour, paid at the end). ***Now, about Ready-Set-Write! ..*.** Ready Set Write! is a regular meeting of motivated writers who grab a beverage, then shut up and write. ***What it is:*** An opportunity for writers to get together and do short, intense bursts of writing. We write for 45-ish minutes, take a 15 minute break, rinse & repeat. ***What it is NOT:*** neither a forum for critiquing each other's work, nor shameless self-promoting your projects or groups. You pay for the time you spend, and have access to coffee, tea, and wifi. **AND FINALLY ...** * Register in advance, and only if you will join us in-person. * Update your RSVP if you cannot make it. * Please be respectful and considerate with our writing colleagues. ***Stay tuned for location updates!*** [Events in Paris, FR](https://www.meetup.com/find/fr--paris/)

The topic for May is "Ink" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

Greetings writers! Come down and join your fellow wordsmiths for one hour of uninterrupted writing time in the upper level of the Market District Supermarket in Upper Arlington. The main entrance of the shopping center opens onto stairs/elevator leading up to the 2nd floor cafe section where we will have a table displaying a sign with the Shut Up & Write logo. Writing is largely a solitary craft. Practicing with others in a community setting may be the thing you need to fire your own routine. We’ll meet on Wednesday evenings, starting the clock at 6:30, following a brief period of introductions. This is solid writing time and all inclusive. Any project is acceptable, be it fiction, non -fiction, work or homework assignment. All is welcome and will remain private to you. The market boasts a Starbucks, a full service bar and various affordable food options. Parking is plentiful, free Wifi is provided as well as outlets for charging your devices, though they are somewhat limited, so plan accordingly. Show up as early as you like, or stay late. This group tends to socialize some, both before and after the alloted time, but this is not mandatory to you. Feel free to come and go as you please and late arrivals are welcome. The cafe may be noisy on occasion so headphones/ earbuds are reccommended as you see fit. Please try to RSVP if possible so that we may grab enough seats for all—the venue can be busy at times. Feel free to message me privately wth any questions and/ or concerns you may have. Happy writing!

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

This month we’ll be ready Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett. Feel free to come and chat even if you don’t finish the book!

When judging morality, should we prioritize **intentions/duty** or **outcomes/results**? It introduces two influential philosophers as representatives of these approaches. * **Immanuel Kant (deontology):** An action is moral when it is done from **duty** and follows rational, universal principles (the **categorical imperative**). Certain acts—like lying—are wrong regardless of the consequences; you can’t do a wrong thing for a right reason. * **John Stuart Mill (utilitarian consequentialism):** The morality of an action is determined by its **effects**, specifically how much **happiness/well-being** it produces. Mill argues that some pleasures are “higher” than others, and that good intentions don’t redeem harmful outcomes. ## Discussion Questions 1. **The lying dilemma:** A murderer comes to your door and asks if your friend is hiding inside. Kant would say you must not lie. 2. **Can good intentions rescue a bad outcome?** 3. **The organ harvest problem:** A surgeon has five patients dying of organ failure and one healthy patient in for a checkup. Killing the one to harvest organs would save five lives, and the math works out for the utilitarian. Why does this feel so deeply wrong? Is that feeling a point in Kant's favor, or just a bias we should overcome? 4. **Do rules need exceptions?** Kant insists moral rules must be universal, with no exceptions. But most of us can imagine extreme scenarios where any rule seems like it should bend. Does the need for exceptions fatally undermine deontology, or is the strength of the system precisely that it refuses to bend? 5. **Who gets to calculate the consequences?** Utilitarianism asks us to maximize good outcomes, but we're notoriously bad at predicting consequences. If we can't reliably know the results of our actions, is it practical to base our entire moral system on outcomes? Does this uncertainty push us back toward rules and principles? 6. **Everyday morality:** Think about a real moral decision you've made recently, even a small one. Did you reason more like a Kantian (what's the right thing to do in principle?) or more like a utilitarian (what will produce the best result?)? Do most people naturally lean one way? 7. **Justice vs. the greater good:** A town can prevent a deadly plague by sacrificing one innocent person. The greater good is clearly served. But is it just? Can an action be morally right and deeply unjust at the same time? 8. **The big synthesis question:** Are these two systems actually opposed, or do they often arrive at the same answers by different paths? Is it possible that we need both: rules to guide us in the moment and consequences to evaluate systems and policies over time?

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).