Truth Seekers

In this event, we will discuss about a science or philosophy book chosen by London Science and Philosophy Book Club. The attendees will be divided into groups and each of them will focus on a chapter in the book. This month we will discuss about a fascinating book called Supersense: From Superstition to Religion by Bruce Hood. If you haven't read the book, it's no problem. I will bring you up to speed with the discussion materials. We will meet in a nice lounge area at 6 p.m for introductions. Please come on time so you will not miss out on valuable discussion midway. If you end up in the waitlist, feel free to show up. Book Description: Why is it that Tony Blair always wore the same pair of shoes when answering Prime Minister's Questions? That John McEnroe notoriously refused to step on the white lines of a tennis court between points? And that President-elect Barack Obama played a game of basketball the morning of his victory in the Iowa primary, and continued the tradition the day of every following primary? Superstitious habits are common. Do you ever cross your fingers, knock on wood, avoid walking under ladders, or step around black cats? Sentimental value often supersedes material worth. If someone offered to replace your childhood teddy bear or wedding ring with a brand new, exact replica, would you do it? How about £20 for trying on a jumper owned by Fred West? Where do such feelings come from and why do most of us have them? Humans are born with brains designed to make sense of the world and that need for an explanation can lead to beliefs that go beyond reason. To be true they would have to be supernatural. With scientific education we learn that such beliefs are irrational but at an intuitive level they can be resistant to reason or lie dormant in otherwise sensible adults. It now seems unlikely that any effort to get rid of supernatural beliefs or superstitious behaviours will be completely successful. This is not all bad news - such beliefs are a useful glue that binds us together as a society. Combining brilliant insight with witty example Hood weaves a page-turning account of our 'supersense' that navigates a path through brain science, child development, popular culture, mental illness and the paranormal. After reading SuperSense, you will realize why you are not as reasonable as you might like to think - and why that might be no bad thing. Agenda: 6 p.m to 7 p.m: Introduction and Socializing 7 p.m to 9:30 p.m: Book Discussion 9:30 p.m to late night: Drinks, Dinner or Feel free to go home

Join us for a transformative chanting session! Whether you're new to Buddhism or experienced, our Meetup offers an inclusive space to explore Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. Delve into the heart of Nichiren Buddhism with us, focusing on the Lotus Sutra as the path to enlightenment. All are welcome, regardless of background or experience. Deepen your spiritual journey and connect with fellow seekers in the True Buddhism community. Join us as we embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth together.

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

NEW VENUE! NEW REGULAR DAY! We're now back to where Southbank Vinyl began in 2017 - The Roebuck Pub in Borough (50 Great Dover St, London SE1 4YG). We're now meeting the first Wednesday of each month at the Roebuck, where great food and drink options are available and we have our own room upstairs to play our records on the deck. Come along with a bunch of vinyl you'd like to play and share with us! This month’s theme is 'Spaces and Places'. Think spaces big and small – rivers deep, mountains high, boxes you could live in, pockets you could put one hand in. Think places far and wide – halfway down the stairs, up on the roof, across the universe or intergalactic. We’ve got plenty of space at our place, so bring some vinyl, bring a friend, or just bring yourself and a pint. **And don't forget to RSVP!**

This week we'll discuss the sixth chapter of [The Science of Can and Can't](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Science-Can-Cant-Physicists-Counterfactuals/dp/0241310946/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1YFBGHPLNB4NO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.YoSj1NdZXBPKK81RKKOjBA.ga2ZS1YEzf0cR13hyK4BpEHaXtvmjSfEhGZemtNXrLU&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+science+of+can+and+can%27t&qid=1779107463&sprefix=the+science+of+can+and+can%27t%2Caps%2C136&sr=8-1), by Chiara Marletto, co-developer of Constructor Theory alongside David Deutsch. This is the second of two discussions on this chapter. A big theme of the book is counterfactuals - statements about what *could* happen, not just what *does* happen. Chiara argues that science has historically struggled to incorporate these rigorously, even though they’re central to explanations, computation, biology, knowledge, and agency. If this is your first time attending we meet in the cafe of the Barbican Cinema - look for people with copies of the book. Please read the chapter before attending.

**🎤 FREE COMEDY SHOW + SATURDAY SOCIAL MIXER 🍻** Looking for a Laugh & to meet new people in London? Join us Saturday for a **FREE comedy show** & social mixer at Big Belly! 🕔 **Arrive from 5:00pm** \- Meet your fellow comedy goers and chat about the show during the 2 intervals\. **[COP A LIMITED FREE TICKET HERE](https://www.universe.com/events/sat-4th-jul-5-30pm-doors-6pm-stand-up-comedy-show-bigbelly-comedy-tickets-TFDM7H?unii-trigger-open=TFDM7H&unii-access-key=MEETUP)** 🎭 **FREE Comedy Show: 6:00pm–8:00pm** (Show starts 6pm SHARP) **🤝 Social Mixer: From 8:00pm onwards** Laugh together, break the ice naturally, and then stick around to meet even more people at our Saturday Social Mixer. Whether you're **new to London**, looking to **expand your social circle**, or just **fancy a laugh** on a Saturday night, this is the **perfect way to do it.** 🎟️ Free entry, but spaces are limited.[ ](https://www.universe.com/events/sat-4th-jul-5-30pm-doors-6pm-stand-up-comedy-show-bigbelly-comedy-tickets-TFDM7H?unii-trigger-open=TFDM7H&unii-access-key=MEETUP)**[COP A LIMITED FREE TICKET HERE](https://www.universe.com/events/sat-4th-jul-5-30pm-doors-6pm-stand-up-comedy-show-bigbelly-comedy-tickets-TFDM7H?unii-trigger-open=TFDM7H&unii-access-key=MEETUP)** **JOIN OUR WHATSAPP COMMUNITY HERE:** [https://chat.whatsapp.com/CpmuQWTBGJ12dVNCfXdJdQ?mode=gi_t](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CpmuQWTBGJ12dVNCfXdJdQ?mode=gi_t)

'HOW TO FIND YOUR BASIC PURPOSE' A Life Improvement free workshop with Maria Bennett. In this a live in-venue workshop: \- Do you know your basic purpose? \- What makes a person's basic purpose? \- Practical drills to help you define your own basic purpose\. Pen and paper provided,so - let's get stuck in!! Using information taken from the book '*Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health*' by L. Ron Hubbard. *Testimonial:* *"Great seminar. I liked how you took us through step by step and we found our own basic purposes. It is a common basic purpose for all, I believe. I realised that the spiritual is more important to me than anything else. My purpose is to help others and the webinar validated things I do. I liked how the participants feel free to communicate their situations. My win was that I can use your method to help others find their basic purpose too. Thanks!" - VR* Maria: I have worked at the Scientology Life Improvement Centre helping and coaching others for over 20 years. I enjoy this a lot! I have access to tools that anyone can put to use in their life to make the positive improvements that they may be looking for. I look forward to meeting you. What can you do after the workshop? We have various other free services that you could do - such as the free personality test. We also have a lot of Life Improvement Courses. These focus on specific areas of life to help 'unblock' them, put your actual abilities to use!