Writing

We live in an age of unprecedented progress. Advances in medicine, technology, education, and human rights have given us opportunities and freedoms that previous generations could not even imagine. Yet, despite these achievements, many of us feel increasingly anxious, restless, exhausted, and overwhelmed. How can a society that has gained so much leave so many feeling depleted and always lonhing for more? The philosopher Byung-Chul Han argues that this is not a contradiction, but a defining **feature** of our time. In his book *The Burnout Society*, he suggests that the crisis of modern life stems not from **oppression**, prohibition, or negativity, but from an **excess of positivity**—the constant pressure to achieve, optimize, perform, and become more. Han captures this paradox in one of his most famous observations: *"The complaint of the depressive individual, 'Nothing is possible,' can only occur in a society that thinks, 'Nothing is impossible.'"* In a world where limitless possibility has become an expectation, failure, exhaustion, and inadequacy are increasingly experienced as personal shortcomings rather than social problems. Today, we will explore Han's diagnosis of the modern condition, why burnout has become so widespread, and what his philosophy reveals about a possible way out. **Preparation:** You can get a good introduction of the topic by watchin one of the below videos: [Why We're All Burning Out: Byung-Chul](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlRlWuEyt8E) [Achievment Society - Byung-Chul Han | Philosophize This](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jm56nQ31kBk) **For Philosophical Minds Zurich theme events in general:** At our theme events, we begin with a brief topic introduction, followed by engaging discussions in small groups. It’s all about conversation, not just listening. Also, please note, we keep the atmosphere relaxed and informal—**there’s** **no pressure to speak in front of anyone**. **Important:** When you register for the event, please commit to it and don't be a NO SHOW. Presumably, when the ancient philosophers decided to go to an event, they kept to it.
 We look forward to seeing you. **Payment:** You can pay at the venue (Twint/Revolut/Cash). Thus, if you want to register at Meetup just click attend - no more needed ;). We look forward to seeing you.

**In diesem Beitrag schildert der Collaboard-Geschäftsführer Michael Görög die Aufholjagd seines kleinen Teams gegen etablierte internationale Wettbewerber, die teils Jahre Vorsprung hatten. Und wie daraus eine starke, souveräne und sichere Alternative zu Mural und Miro wird, die beim Gebrauch auch noch Spass macht.** Collaboard begann mit dem Aufstieg agiler Arbeitsformen und aus dem Wunsch, interaktiv an elektronische Whiteboards zu arbeiten. Der ursprüngliche Fokus lag daher auf einer Whiteboard-Software für interaktive Displays, um Meetings und Workshops im physischen Raum digitaler und interaktiver zu gestalten. Aber mit der Pandemie veränderte der Markt sich radikal. Über Nacht brach der ursprüngliche Product-Market-Fit von Collaboard in sich zusammen: Statt digital unterstützter Zusammenarbeit im gemeinsamen Büro oder Sitzungszimmer war jetzt Remote-Work angesagt. Das Collaboard-Team stand damit vor der radikalen Herausforderung, innert kürzester Zeit aus der elektronischen Whiteboard-Software ein digitales Whiteboard für Remote-Zusammenarbeit zu entwickeln. ••• [Michael Görög](https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-gorog/) ist Co-Founder von [Collaboard](https://www.collaboard.app), einer in der Schweiz entwickelten Online-Whiteboard-Lösung für visuelle Zusammenarbeit. Mit über 16 Jahren Erfahrung in der Softwarebranche treibt er Innovationen im Bereich visueller Teamarbeit voran. Sein besonderer Fokus liegt dabei auf Sicherheit, Datenschutz und dem Einsatz moderner Technologien wie KI.

As it is sometimes difficult in Switzerland to practice high german, in 2010 we decided to organize a conversation group that is free to everyone who wants to practice german and socialize. WhatsApp group for easier contact: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KmMkpiQxs291vTPv2RBNm4

Sessions of **individual runic readings** are available for beginners all along summer, both online (75 CHF) and offline in Zurich (100 CHF). These sessions are **NOT** esoteric or divinatory. We're approaching runes as **a symbolic system of archetypes** to examine any situation or question that is currently relevant to you. *If you feel stuck in a situation and cannot see a way forward, are facing a difficult decision, navigating a period of uncertainty, or trying to understand a recurring pattern in your life, a runic reading may offer a different perspective.* **You will receive:** • a clearer and systemic understanding of what is actually happening; • insight into hidden influences affecting the situation; • a better understanding of why certain difficulties keep repeating; • greater clarity around available options and their likely consequences; • practical ideas for what to do next. For registration and payment details, send me a direct message or fill in this form [The Alchemist Lab - Contact](https://alchemistlab.ch/Contact)

Welcome to the Winterthur Badminton Meetup! 🏸👊😉🍻 We’re an international group created for badminton fans in and around Winterthur. Open to Expats and Swiss folks who want to train and socialise with fellow ‘badmintonists’. Or perhaps you’d like to learn the sport and meet new people? Whether doing it for fun or fitness, the idea is to enjoy and have a great (kickass) midweek. And everyone is welcome to join us for a postgame drink or two! See yah! 😊 Important: We ask everyone to respect others who wish to play. That means dropping out if you won’t make it to the game by updating your RSVP. Keep in mind: RSVPs close at 21:00 two days before the event to give others enough time to plan. Anyone on the RSVP list who did not show up at the event is considered a "no-show". No-shows will still have to pay the shared cost of the court and shuttles. We keep track of no-shows and deprioritise them in future games. Please try your best to pay on the same day by Twint or in cash. With Twint, write in the comment the date and your name for reference. Cost will be around 12-20 CHF, depending on the amount of players joining and if we have to rent 1 or 2 courts. Note: If it's your first time joining, please send me a message for more details and to confirm your spot in the game. Otherwise, regular players will be given priority. Cheers, Elias

3 courts

Welcome to our meetup! In our meetups we openly discuss and share our experiences related to running an Amazon FBA business, Amazon KDP business or other online business out of Switzerland. There's no fixed agenda or presentations/speakers. Everyone gets the chance to shortly introduce his/her experience with online business so far and to discuss any issues he/she is facing at the moment. Our meetups are valuable both for people just starting out as well as for experienced entrepreneurs. Next to providing useful practical information, I believe our meetups are just as valuable for the chance to meet similar minded, motivated entrepreneurs. It's great for your own mindset to meet other people who also think out of the 9-to-5 box. Furthermore, our meetups provide a good networking opportunity: we already have various collaborations between members of our group resulting from our meetups. We will meet in the lobby of the Motel One hotel (Stockerstrasse 61, corner of Brandschenkestrasse; after you entered the motel, you'll find the lobby at the far left). If you like to have a drink, please get it at the bar before coming to the lobby, so we can start on time at 7pm. Meetups are held in English, unless all participants understand German. Please only sign up if you're actually planning on coming. Looking forward to meeting you! \*\*\* no hidden agenda, no one trying to sell you his services, 100% entrepreneurs helping entrepreneurs \*\*\*

**Come for lunch. Leave with a draft.** Think you don’t have time to write? Think again. Fuel your lunch break with literature and instant inspiration at the **Zurich Writes! Lunch Club**. **12:15 - Fuel up:** Grab a sandwich or toastie at **Café ramram**, a new creative hub inside the ground floor of the historic Pestalozzi library in Old Town **12:30 - 13:30** **Spark**: Get inspired by a selected literary text **Write**: Put pen to paper with a writing prompt (25min) **Connect**: Share and chat about your work The writing prompts are cross-genre and can be applied to any form you write in - fiction, non-fiction, poetry, drama, etc. Feel free to use the time to work on a piece of writing outside of the prompt as well, this space is for wherever your creativity takes you! About the host: Yun Wei holds an MFA in poetry from Brooklyn College and studied at Georgetown and LSE. A recipient of the Boulevard Poetry Contest and Veasna So Fiction Scholarship, her stories and poems appear in *Adroit, Poetry Daily, Wigleaf, Michigan Quarterly* and over 20 other journals. She teaches workshops for Geneva Writers Group and International Women’s Writing Guild. IG: @pomegranatewei

Welcome to the **Task-Buddies** event of the **Zürich Productivity Circle**, where we bring together like-minded individuals to work on personal goals and share the experience of growth in a supportive community. Maybe you are building a business or side hustle, studying for a course, learning a new (programming) language, figuring the tax system out, writing code, prose, or poetry, researching new stocks for your portfolio, tackling your German homework, or upskilling for your job. In all of these cases and more, this is the perfect space for you. In fact, productivity does not end there. Even if you just want to read a psychology book to resolve a personal struggle, sketch a mountain, listen to podcasts, organize your week, respond to unanswered emails and messages, enjoy a novel, or just reflect and meditate, you are very welcome here. For any task that adds positively to your life and can be done sitting down with others (exception: anything noisy/disruptive/disrespectful), you will fit into the events. We will meet at a work-friendly café in Zürich and follow the agenda below. **Agenda:** * **Introductions and food (20-30 mins):** Start with a round of introductions to get to know each other and share what we'll be working on, buy our food and drinks (alternatively one can also buy them later on). * **Productive Work Session (1-2 hours)** Dive into your individual tasks in a focussed, distraction-free environment. * **Collective Break and Socializing (\~15 mins):** Take a planned break to stretch, chat, get more coffee, and share insights about your projects. * **Continued Work Session (1-2 hours):** Get back to your tasks with renewed focus and motivation. * **Wrap-Up and Reflections (15+ mins):** Conclude with a reflection on what we accomplished, share productivity tips or questions, discuss plans for future meetups, stay back for more chit chat if you like. **What to Bring:** * Your project or task materials (laptop, charger, books, sketchpad, pen, etc.) * Respectful and kind demeanour * A positive attitude and a willingness to share and learn **Note:** Please ensure that your tasks are suitable for a quiet, communal setting. We aim to maintain a respectful and conducive environment for everyone. **Venue Courtesy:** Out of courtesy for the venue, please order something to eat or drink for yourself. This helps support the café and ensures we can continue to use their space for our meetups.

Bienvenida al del club de lectura en Zürich! Un espacio para conectar, compartir y conocernos entre lectoras que viven en Zürich y alrededores.
 El libro elegido para la próxima reunión es: **Un mundo Feliz de Aldous Huxley** así que tienes hasta el **04 de Julio** para leerlo y unirte a nuestra discusión. El enfoque lector del club es amplio: ficción, fantasía y novelas de todo tipo **¿Para quién es?** Para personas mayores de edad que quieran participar en un club de lectura. Será un espacio relajado, basado en el respeto y el amor por los libros. **¿Qué necesitas?** - Una libreta, lápiz o bolígrafo - Una manta - Agua y snacks para ti y/o para compartir. - El libro en físico o digital (opcional) Antes de hablar del libro haremos algunas actividades para romper el hielo, compartiremos tips para conseguir un hábito lector y hablaremos de recomendaciones lectoras. Como **recomendación** puedes tomar notas del libro, si eso te ayuda a recordar mejor. El debate no será académico, será sobre las opiniones personales de personajes, narrativa, historia, etc. Confirmaré unos días antes si, por motivos de clima, cambiamos a una cafetería. Si no llueve, nos vemos en el lugar indicado. (Revisa los mensajes del evento un par de días antes) Por favor sé puntual😊

Herzlich Willkommen zum **ECK Licht und Ton Gottesdienst** "Es liegt in der Natur der unsterblichen Seele zu träumen. Deshalb sind Ihre Träume sowohl im Alltag als auch während des Schlafes so wichtig." Harold Klemp, *Spirituelle Weisheit zu Träumen,* S. 1 Menschen aller Glaubensrichtungen und Überzeugungen sind zum ECK Licht und Ton Gottesdienst willkommen. Die Gottesdienste dauern etwa eine Stunde und können Elemente wie eine Rede, leichte musikalische Darbietungen, Podiumsgespräche und Austausch in Kleingruppen beinhalten. Du kannst davon ausgehen, dass du in irgendeiner Weise eine neue Erfahrung mit Gottes Liebe machen wirst! In den Gottesdiensten gibt es immer Zeit, Licht und Ton Gottes zu erfahren beim Singen von HU und in der anschliessenden kurzen Kontemplation. Du kannst frei entscheiden, ob du aktiv oder still teilnehmen willst. Weitere Informationen zu Eckankar und der Lehre von ECK findest du auf den Webseiten www.eckankar.ch oder www.eckankar.org (englisch). Verantwortliche Organisation: Eckankar Gesellschaft Schweiz, Verein mit Sitz in Zürich, [https://2020.eckankar.ch/eckankar-in-der-schweiz/](https://2020.eckankar.ch/eckankar-in-der-schweiz/)

**[>Ticket needed<](https://link.social-circle.ch/x0RD)** Using your phone more intentionally starts with understanding why we reach out for our phones in the first place (*hint: it has nothing to do with your lack of discipline*). One moment you unlocked your phone to text a friend, and the next time you looked up, an hour has gone by. This workshop will be led by **Michelle**, a neuroscientist with **a PhD in the study of human emotions**. She's spent years researching why we feel what we feel, and strives to bring science into the room in a way that's warm, accessible, and useful. Join us to understand why you scroll, and what you can actually do about it. Grounded in neuroscience, this is a hands-on afternoon of self-reflection, group discussions, and practical tools you can use starting immediately. Join our craft group: **[https://link.social-circle.ch/Bbsq](https://link.social-circle.ch/Bbsq)** Want more events like this? Join our community! **[https://link.social-circle.ch/4kfX](https://link.social-circle.ch/4kfX)** No experience needed—just bring your curiosity and an open mind! Please note that pictures might be taken and used, if you don't want to be on them please let the host know. Tickets are not refundable.

Two complementary takes on what actually decides whether AI delivers value in an organization. One on why role-based structures are the real enabler, the other on what happens to teams when AI starts resolving the tickets. Here's what's planned for the evening: 17:30 - 18:00 - Arrival and first drinks 18:00 - 18:45 - AI Value Creation Starts Beyond Technology by Ralf Günthner 18:45 - 19:30 - When the Bot Takes the Ticket: Keeping Teams Effective as AI Rewrites the Rules by Dagmar Muth 19:30 - 20:30 - Networking, Open Space & More drinks\* **AI Value Creation Starts Beyond Technology** Many companies are currently investing heavily in AI agents, copilots, and automation, yet the expected gains in productivity and innovation often fail to materialize. The reason is rarely technological, but structural: classic hierarchical organizational models are not designed to collaborate effectively with learning, adaptive systems. This keynote explains why role-based work is the decisive enabler for successful AI adoption. In role-based organizations, responsibilities are clearly defined, decision rights are decentralized, and collaboration is dynamically organized, exactly the conditions under which AI agents can deliver maximum value. Drawing on current research (including McKinsey, MIT CISR, and Harvard Business School) and practical examples from industry, mechanical engineering, and chemicals, the keynote shows how companies can combine AI agents with role-based structures to: * drastically shorten implementation timelines * increase acceptance and trust in AI * enable continuous optimization instead of one-off pilot projects * significantly improve the ROI of AI investments The core message: AI does not transform organizations, organizations determine whether AI creates impact. Those who invest today in role-based ways of working, shared leadership, and decentralized decision logic build the operational foundation to not only introduce AI, but scale it strategically. **Ralf Günthner** Ralf Günthner is a transformation expert, entrepreneur, and lecturer with over 25 years of experience in digital transformation, AI, IoT, and organizational development. In his keynotes, he shows why AI value creation does not emerge from algorithms, platforms, or tools, but from leadership, culture, decision-making logic, and effective collaboration. He combines deep technology expertise with systems thinking, neuroscience, and hands-on transformation work. As Co-CEO of Team-Factory GmbH, he supports companies in anchoring AI strategically, creating orientation, and delivering sustainable impact, beyond hype and technology fixation. **When the Bot Takes the Ticket: Keeping Teams Effective as AI Rewrites the Rules** AI agents are starting to resolve incidents, write code, and close tickets. That's great for throughput, but what happens to the humans in the team? Motivation, ownership, skill development, and psychological safety don't disappear as team development topics just because productivity metrics go up. In this talk, Dagmar Muth draws on her work with engineering and product teams navigating AI-driven transformation. She shares what it takes to make AI integration work for the whole team: how to preserve ownership and purpose, keep accountability clear, and build the patterns that distinguish teams that thrive from those that merely adapt. You'll leave with a clear mental model for thinking about team health in AI-augmented setups and concrete questions to bring back to your own team or organization. **Dagmar Muth** Dagmar Muth is a systemic organizational developer and agile coach with 20 years of experience guiding teams and companies through transformation. As a co-worker of pragmatic solutions ag in Zürich, she supports organizations in finding the right setup, processes, and culture to sustain performance from vision to go-live, increasingly in contexts shaped by AI. She works with cross-functional tech and product teams, coaches leaders, and lectures on agile project management at SIB. Her particular focus right now: how organizations integrate AI without losing what makes their teams actually work. Many thanks to our **sponsors**: * Catering Sponsor: **DevOpsDays Zürich** https://www.devopsdays.ch/ * Location Sponsor: **Digicomp** https://www.digicomp.ch/ \* contact us min. 3 days prior to the event if you prefer a vegan option.

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 7:00pm on Wednesday, February 11 at Streetlight Guild. 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:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens before and after the writing hour. 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! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Streetlight Guild! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! You're welcome to bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Streetlight Guild does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public parking at Streetlight Guild.

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!

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!

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

**We are expanding our creative programming opportunities with Queer Quills, a quiet writing and sharing space. Queer Quills features some prompts, supplies and friendly faces to help get some inspiration or feedback for your writing. Hope to see you there!**