Tao Te Ching

Sufi Meditation is a practical and proven spiritual technique. Our meditation is fundamentally different from others as we do not focus on the body but on the soul. Our practices and its benefits are experiential. Hundreds of seekers worldwide from different races and cultures are benefitting from it every day.

Here's an engaging photography meetup description for Chinatown: Join us for a fun photography adventure in Chinatown! Whether you're a pro or just starting out, this is the perfect place to capture amazing photos. In Chinatown, you'll find colorful lanterns, bustling markets, and beautiful architecture. Bring your mobile phone or any camera you have - we'll explore the area together and snap some great shots. Join us if you are interested in photography. It doesn't matter if you are a pro or a beginner; we do it for the love of photography. We'll kick off with a short meet and greet before heading out to click pictures together. After our photo walk, we'll end at a nearby coffee shop to chat and share our experiences. This is a free event, but please RSVP to let us know you're coming. If you have any trouble finding us or have questions, feel free to call or text: Jay: +65 9352 0249 Sandeep: +65 8609 1667. Join our WhatsApp group for live location sharing: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IYNcf63yaXr2PAXyrjeHzi We share our live location there to help everyone stay connected — especially as people naturally wander off while shooting. Meeting Point: Chinatown MRT - Chinatown MRT — Exit A (Pagoda Street) Route: Pagoda St → Trengganu → Temple → Sago

The origin of Muraqabah lies in the saying of the Prophet Muhammad SAW, “Adore Allah as if you are seeing Him, and if you do not see Him, know that He is seeing you.” http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/3/d/4/600_322029172.jpeg http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/a/b/a/600_303906842.jpeg Please visit our webpage for more information (http://www.singapore.sufischool.org)

During the session, we will explain how the Wing Chun system is imparted and what students can expect to learn. Authentic Traditional Wing Chun is imparted in class through an effective modern training management system that is aligned with the standard at Ving Tsun Athletic Association in Hong Kong. ### **Address** 145 Selegie Road Selegie Court Level 4 ### **Schedule** Saturdays 10AM - 12PM ### **Booking Information** * Please contact **98225900** to find out how to book this class. * The instructor will reach out to you once you've booked the class.

Some walks are for fitness. This one is for kindness. Date: 11 April 2026 (Sat) Time: 8:30 am to 1:00 Venue: Upper Thomson MRT (TE8) Exit 4 Our journey begins at Thomson MRT, leading us into the peaceful trails of MacRitchie Reservoir. For 11km, we walk through nature — reminding ourselves that Singapore’s greatest strength has always been community. But the real purpose of the walk lies beyond the trail. At Shunfu Food Centre, we will savour the old-school flavours that many seniors from Blk 170 Toa Payoh still remember and long for — simple dishes that carry memories of kampung days, hard work, and a lifetime of stories. Through Pack2Treat, these meals become more than food. They become a small gesture of love for 80 elderly residents, while also supporting the hardworking older hawkers who keep these traditional tastes alive. This walk also celebrates the generous spirit of the Live Share & Care community, whose quiet acts of giving make these meals possible. From forest trail to hawker table, every step reminds us that kindness grows when people walk together. Because sometimes the most meaningful journey is not the 11km we complete — but the smiles we deliver at the end of the walk. Please read this #1 - This is a number-controlled event. Please come only if you are on the attending list. #2 - We will move out at 0830 sharp. We are not able to wait for late-comers. #3 - As this is a limited number event, please check your calendar and make sure you can come before you RSVP. Do not change your attendance at the last minute and deny someone else who genuinely wishes to come.

Most people in Singapore haven’t tried beach tennis yet — and honestly, that’s part of the appeal. It’s fast-paced like tennis, social like volleyball, and played barefoot on sand. You don’t need prior experience, and the learning curve is surprisingly quick. Beach tennis is big in Brazil, and it’s now starting to pick up in Singapore. Sessions are run by Pacific Beach Tennis Academy, which is Singapore's first dedicated beach tennis academy. If you’re looking to: – try a new sport without pressure – meet people in a more relaxed setting – or just switch things up from your usual workouts this might be worth checking out. Sessions are beginner-friendly, and all equipment is provided. If you’re keen or have any questions, feel free to message Luke at 8950 0295. You can learn more about Pacific Beach Tennis Academy here as well: Website: https://pbta.sg/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pbta.sg/

Some walks are for fitness. This one is for kindness. Date: 11 April 2026 (Sat) Time: 8:30 am to 1:00 Venue: Upper Thomson MRT (TE8) Exit 4 Our journey begins at Thomson MRT, leading us into the peaceful trails of MacRitchie Reservoir. For 11km, we walk through nature — reminding ourselves that Singapore’s greatest strength has always been community. But the real purpose of the walk lies beyond the trail. At Shunfu Food Centre, we will savour the old-school flavours that many seniors from Blk 170 Toa Payoh still remember and long for — simple dishes that carry memories of kampung days, hard work, and a lifetime of stories. Through Pack2Treat, these meals become more than food. They become a small gesture of love for 80 elderly residents, while also supporting the hardworking older hawkers who keep these traditional tastes alive. This walk also celebrates the generous spirit of the Live Share & Care community, whose quiet acts of giving make these meals possible. From forest trail to hawker table, every step reminds us that kindness grows when people walk together. Because sometimes the most meaningful journey is not the 11km we complete — but the smiles we deliver at the end of the walk. Please read this #1 - This is a number-controlled event. Please come only if you are on the attending list. #2 - We will move out at 0830 sharp. We are not able to wait for late-comers. #3 - As this is a limited number event, please check your calendar and make sure you can come before you RSVP. Do not change your attendance at the last minute and deny someone else who genuinely wishes to come.

🏛️ **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. 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/Hg7zL8ClpzM3agJCvw5HDS), 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: * 19:00-19:15 - People arrive and chat, get to know each other before the ‘official' start. * 19:15-19:25 - Meeting introduction, explanation of Practical Philosophy and the topic for the week, read the guidelines and the overview so attendees know what to expect in terms of timelines. * 19:25-20:45 - Break into small groups - introduce yourselves and 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. * 20:45-21:00 - Bring everyone back together to discuss conclusions of the topic - each group gives a short 1-minute summary. Organizer concludes the meeting and everyone takes a group photo. * 21:00 - The official meeting is over but it’s a great opportunity to get to know people in a non-structured environment, so we often stick around, chat, and get to know each other. **🧧PRICING?** Practical Philosophy Club is FREE to attend! We just ask that if we are meeting in a café, buy a beverage! Some chapters rent a space for us to meet, and they may ask for donations to help contribute to the cost of rent. Donations will always be 100% voluntary though! 💛 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 Sunday in the Whatsapp group. 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/Hg7zL8ClpzM3agJCvw5HDS). * 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/Hg7zL8ClpzM3agJCvw5HDS) 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/). **PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY - Making Philosophy Available To All.** ✨ Practical Philosophy hosts weekly, in-person meetups in over 20 countries, including Canada, Spain, Japan, Mexico and many more! 🗺️ \*\*\* Join our [Whatsapp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hg7zL8ClpzM3agJCvw5HDS) 👈 Follow us on [Instagram](www.instagram.com/practicalphilosophyclub/) 👈 Our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/) 👈

[There is a $2 fee per attendee] Singapore Open Gaming is a group of gamers that meet up on Sundays for a day of board games. We play all kinds of tabletop games, from euro-games to war-games. We have a capacity for 50 persons and every age and gender is welcome. We like to invite you to join our monthly sessions: Time: 1.00pm - 6.30pm Venue: Ci Yuan Community Club 51 Hougang Ave 9 Lvl 4 Rm 1 or 2A/2B, 538776 Fee: $2 Attendance will be taken. location map: Google Map to Ci Yuan CC (https://www.google.com.sg/maps/place/Ci+Yuan+Community+Club/@1.3750408,103.8826901,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xff0789338b66bb7!8m2!3d1.3750408!4d103.8826901) We have a library of games and everyone is encouraged to bring your own and make requests.

***Hi there!*** **Sahaja Yoga Meditation Singapore** invites you to a **FREE** meditation class, which is facilitated by an experienced practitioner. *Learn easy meditation steps and purify your inner being with joy, and love.* *Get rid of frustrations, anxiety, stress, and doubts, and feel the energy within.* **What to expect during the class?** -Introduction to Sahaja Yoga Meditation -Meditation session -Learn the topic of the week -Homework for you to try at home -Question and Answers **Address** Sahaja Yoga Meditation 140 Paya Lebar Road, #07-15 AZ Building Singapore 409015 Nearest MRT: MacPherson MRT (Downtown Line/Circle Line), Exit A *See you there :-)* **Sahaja Yoga Meditation** **Singapore**

**For ages 13 and above.** Aikido is a martial art which originated in Japan with its founder, Morihei Ueshiba, in the early twentieth century and has since grown to become one of the world’s most popular martial arts. At its most basic level, Aikido is an empty-handed system of throwing, joint-locking, striking and pinning techniques, coupled with training in the varying use of sword (bokken), staff (jo) and knife (tanto) techniques. The core principle of Aikido is not to resist the laws of nature but to harmonize without the undue application of aggressive strength. In practice, aikido techniques are applied by efficient redirection of the attacker’s power against him/her using minimal force and without being overly injurious. The word “aikido” is formed of three kanji, namely 合 (ai) meaning joining or unifying, 気 (ki) which means spirit or energy, and 道 (dō) which is loosely interpreted as “the path” or “the way”. ### **Address** 346D King George's Avenue, Singapore, Singapore ### **Schedule** Saturdays 4PM - 5PM ### **Booking Information** * Please contact **98225900** to find out how to book this class. * The instructor will reach out to you once you've booked the class.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in Singapore. Most men have no symptoms in the early stages — and by the time they do, it may already be advanced. **Early detection saves lives. And it starts with knowing your risk.** This April, take the most important step for your health and join us for a free, expert-led talk by **Dr. Lim Huat Chye Peter** — one of Singapore's most respected urologists and founder of the Society for Men's Health (Singapore). **📅 Date:** Saturday, 11 April 2026 **🕑 Time:** 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM **📍 Venue:** Farrer Park Hospital, Connexion, #16-06 (Viv Hall) **💰 Admission:** FREE **If you're a man over 40, this talk is for you.** Most men avoid talking about their health — until it's too late. Don't wait for symptoms. Prostate cancer is highly treatable when caught early, but the window matters. This is your chance to get straight-talking, expert guidance in a relaxed, open setting where all questions are welcome. **What you'll learn:** * What prostate cancer is and how it develops silently * Who is at risk — and why men over 40 need to act now * When and how to get screened, and what tests to expect * Treatment options and the latest advances in urological care * How to have the conversation with your doctor — and what questions to ask Come alone, or bring a father, brother, husband, or friend. The men in your life need to hear this. **Seats are limited. This event is free — but your health is priceless. Register now before it's too late.**

**Every Friday & Sunday \| All Levels Welcome** Reconnect with your body, breath, and nature through a grounding Hatha Yoga practice set in the lush greenery of Singapore Botanic Gardens. This class is designed to energise the body, calm the mind, and leave you feeling refreshed and centred for the day ahead. **What to Expect** * **Kriya (breathing techniques)** to cleanse and detox the body * **Hatha Asanas** to stretch, strengthen, mobilise, and relax the body * **Pranayama & long mindful relaxation** to quieten the mind and reduce stress * Gentle guidance with **variations for every body**, including complete beginners No prior yoga experience needed. We have been practising there since 2018. If you’ve never done yoga before, you are most welcome 💙 **Class Schedule** **Friday** * 7:15am – 8:15am * 9:00am – 10:30am **Sunday** * 8:00am – 9:30am *Other weekday classes are also available and taught by other teachers:* * Monday: 8:30am – 9:30am * Wednesday: 7:00am - 8:00am **Fees** * **$40 per person (single drop-in)** * Class packages available on [www.namastewithhwee.com](https://www.namastewithhwee.com/booking-calendar/botanic-garden-yoga-class?referral=service_list_widget) **Meeting Point** * Meet **10 minutes before class** * **Botanic Gardens MRT, Exit A (Level 1)** **What to Bring** * Comfortable exercise clothing * Yoga mat * Towel & water bottle **How to Reserve Your Spot** Your spot is **only confirmed after WhatsApp confirmation from the host**. -> **WhatsApp Hwee:**[ +65 9646 9599 ](https://wa.me/6596469599) -> Or purchase a ticket via [www.namastewithhwee.com](https://www.namastewithhwee.com/booking-calendar/botanic-garden-yoga-class?referral=service_list_widget) Follow on social media: Instagram & Facebook: **@NamasteWithHwee** **About the Instructor – Hwee Hwee** Hwee is a yoga instructor who hurt her wrist, dampening her asana practice and just could not recover it 100% with physiotherapy and Traditional Chinese Medicine. A calling drawn her to **Reiki healing** and her recovery progressed so much more! Hwee is an advanced Reiki Level 3 practitioner. With yoga, Hwee fell in love with the **low impact** workout (which was gentle for her teenage injured lower back). Wanting to know yoga beyond the physical aspects (asanas), she went to one of the oldest yoga school in world, G.S. College of Yoga and Cultural Synthesis, Kaivalydham in Lonavla, Pune, India in 2017 and attained her Hatha Yoga teaching certifications from both Kaivalydham and Quality Council of India (QCI) by Indian Yoga Association. Hwee is also into meditation since 2013 and with Hatha Yoga now, the practice between asana (physical exercise) and meditation has integrated into one. > *“We don’t do meditation — meditation happens to us.”* Join Hwee for a nourishing outdoor practice of yoga, pranayama, and gentle healing. Hwee also speaks **Chinese & Japanese.** Instagram & Facebook: **@NamasteWithHwee** [https://www.facebook.com/namastewithhwee/](https://www.facebook.com/namastewithhwee/) [https://www.instagram.com/namastewithhwee/](https://www.instagram.com/namastewithhwee/) [www.namastewithhwee.com](www.namastewithhwee.com)

We’re a group of friends from church who love hanging out together, and we’d love for you to join us for a friendly Captain’s Ball game at Sentosa! For those that just want to come to the beach to just vibe and relax or you’re in the mood for some sun and laughter, you can join us as well!😄☀️ 🏖️🏐✨ It’ll be a fun, chill day of: ☀️ Playing Captain’s Ball in the sand 🥤 Cooling off with drinks together 😂 Lots of laughs, team spirit, and new memories 💬 Relaxing and hanging out after the games Doesn’t matter if you’re sporty, new, or just curious — everyone’s welcome! Come as you are (we can group you up) or bring a friend. We’re a super open and welcoming bunch, so don’t worry if you don’t know anyone yet — you’ll leave with new friends and fun memories.

We are a real world Martial arts group. \ Called DO JUNG ISHU (the art of fighting) \ Based off of Jeet kune do we just continued where Bruce Lee left off. \ We have been around a while. \ We are donation based. Every week we get together and work technical skills and live pressure testing. \ Almost all of the instructors have been in everything from altercations in the real world to the ring and some still compete in the cage. \ If you want to take your skills up, improve your confidence, gain self defense skills, get in better shape, test yourself or just want to kill some time and possibly get hit a bit come on down. \ We will be located at 3923 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214 inside the whetstone rec center in the auditorium, upstairs in classroom B or outside in the grass between the playground and horseshoe area. our instructors are normally in a black and red art of fighting shirt \ if you can not find us call or text me at 6143570295 Saturday 1pm Wednesday 5:30pm From Age 16 and up. attendees under the age of 18 must have a guardian with them. \ \ You must have a free leisure card for the rec center and must be registered for our class specifically .\ Wear workout clothing \ Bring a MOUTHPIECE! \ WE HAVE GLOVES. \ Hope to see you soon :-).\ We are run off of donations. \ let me know if you have any questions :)

Main Library, Meeting Room 3B 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.

**💖 Speed Dating from Home – Meet Indianapolis Singles Live on Zoom** This online speed dating event is built around a host who sets the tone, keeps things easy, and helps people feel comfortable from the first minute. Ditch the apps. Meet Indianapolis singles face-to-face on Zoom tonight. It's simple: complete a short personality quiz, jump on Zoom, and meet Indianapolis singles in guided one-on-one rounds. Matches shared afterwards. **Pick your age group and sign up:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=downtown-local-singles-mixer-and-mingle&ar=18-32&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=downtown-local-singles-mixer-and-mingle&ar=30-46&face_v=3.0) - 🚀 **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=downtown-local-singles-mixer-and-mingle&ar=40-58&face_v=3.0) **⚠️ Your RSVP doesn't guarantee a place.** Click your age group link below, register, and take the personality quiz to lock in your spot. Limited places. --- 👥 **Best for:** - People fed up with swiping who want actual conversation - Busy professionals who don't want to waste evenings - People re-entering the dating scene after a break 🧭 **How the session runs** 1. **Pick your age group** – Register through your link above. 2. **Take the personality quiz** – We use it to pair you with compatible Indianapolis singles. 3. **Log in** – Connect to the Zoom session from home. The host runs the show. 4. **Meet your matches** – Cycle through short chats with compatible Indianapolis singles. 🗂 **Quick details** - **Format:** Virtual on Zoom – hosted and well-structured - **Location:** Online from home – no need to go anywhere - **Host:** Experienced host steering the session ⭐ *"10/10. The host was fantastic and I actually had fun on the dates."* – Indianapolis first-timer --- ✨ Your next match could be one Zoom call away. 🦋 ✨ Quick version: this one gets straight to the point. Built for clarity over length. 🤝 **Community angle** - The atmosphere is guided, social, and easy to join - The community matters as much as the session itself - The structure is designed to help people settle in quickly That community angle is deliberate: better conversations, more familiar faces, and stronger momentum over time.

💓 **Online Speed Dating Built for First Timers – Real Connections, Zero Pressure!** **🔴 MUST READ: RSVP Alone Won't Get You In!** To attend, you must: (1) Click your age group link below, (2) Complete registration, and (3) Finish the personality quiz. Limited spots available – register now before they're gone! **📋 Choose Your Age Range Below to Register:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Toledo&groupurlname=network-for-active-local-singles-dating&ar=18-32&face_v=1.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Toledo&groupurlname=network-for-active-local-singles-dating&ar=30-46&face_v=1.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Toledo&groupurlname=network-for-active-local-singles-dating&ar=40-58&face_v=1.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Toledo&groupurlname=network-for-active-local-singles-dating&ar=55+&face_v=1.0) --- 🤝 Tired of swiping with no results? Try real conversations instead! Online speed dating removes all the awkward parts of traditional dating. A friendly host guides you through each round, so all you have to do is show up and be yourself. 🎯 **Perfect for:** - Introverts who shine in one-on-one conversations - First-time speed daters seeking a welcoming, easy experience - First-timers who want to date without the pressure of face-to-face meetings - Busy professionals who value their time and comfort **How It Works** 1. **Sign Up** – Click the registration link for your age bracket above. 2. **Finish the Short Personality Assessment** – This helps us optimise your matches for the evening. 3. **Connect on Zoom** – No setup needed. Just click the link and you're in! 4. **Meet Your Matches** – Rotate through fun one-on-one rounds with Toledo singles who share your vibe. 5. **Discover Your Matches** – We'll notify you of any mutual interest after the event. The rest is up to you! **Event Details** - **Format:** Hosted live on Zoom – guided, fun, and stress-free - **Location:** No venue needed – just a comfy seat and a good internet connection - **Host:** Your personal guide through the evening – friendly, encouraging, and fun - **Vibe:** Light-hearted, easy-going speed dates with open-minded Toledo singles - **Accessibility:** Join from any device – laptop, tablet, or phone - **Duration:** About 60–90 minutes of structured, fun conversations **Frequently Asked Questions** **How long are the conversations?** Each round is a few minutes – long enough to feel a connection, short enough to keep things exciting! **What happens after the event?** We reveal mutual matches after the event. If you both liked each other, we help you connect! --- ✨ The hardest part is clicking register. After that, we make everything easy. See you there! 💘 ✨

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!