Do you almost never get tired of talking or thinking about philosophical, political, scientific or religious theories? Or about psychological insights, or attempts at such insights, into human life? There are, of course, many who would insist that being realistic about human life means you should ignore all such fundamental questions — starting about the time the ink on your diploma dries.

But it is actually unrealistic to just ignore the fundamental explanatory concepts which underlie each successful human civilization — and which sometimes help and sometimes hinder us in our pursuit of happiness. Such profound questions are naturally provoked simply by living an alert life. And there are millions of realistic people, of all ages and walks of life, who also find it impossible to delegate to one infallible authority or another the task of providing all the answers to such questions.

Life is not totally chaotic, even though it looks that way sometimes, and so, to the extent there are subtle patterns to our experiences, it would be very helpful to be aware of them. Discussing our experiences and observations with others who are similarly inclined seems to be an excellent way to expand our chances of becoming aware of those patterns. It also seems helpful to bring into our current discussions the most intriguing observations of past practitioners of the art of conversation (both written and verbal) to take full advantage of what human civilization has to offer.

But why Imperfect Circles?

Because they are a low-maintenance format to fulfill the desire to compare notes with others, to share our accumulated knowledge and wisdom, so that that desire does not dissipate over time.

Because they encourage engagement in the continuous creation of more civilized human societies.

And because they are an effective way to organize the revitalization of one of civilization’s greatest and most ancient treasures: substantive conversations among those who pursue knowledge, wisdom and happiness.

Rejoin the continuing conversation of human civilization. This time in the comfort of your own home — or perhaps in your favorite public library.

Audio of Lecture

Listen to the audio of the original launch of Imperfect Circles at The Commonwealth Club in January 2019 using the embedded player below.