One-sentence Description
Discovering Wisdom is an experiment in collective inquiry.
Practical Details:
Four-week experiment from November 9-30, Thursdays @ 11:30 AM eastern. 90-120 mins.
Context:
Throughout October, I've engaged in private gatherings with a burgeoning community of inquirers, actively testing fresh approaches to collective inquiry. The loose intention is to create momentum to have an ongoing practice of Collective Inquiry for Less Foolish paid subscribers that accompanies Collective Journalling.
Three Guiding Premises:
Premise #1. Wisdom needs to become more common.
Premise #2. One practice for wisdom is inquiry.
Premise #3. What we will be doing together is best classified as art.
Background material:
The spirit of the experiment is inspired by the notion of midwifing a “wisdom commons,” a place that makes wisdom more common.
Sessions Format:
Each week, one person brings forward an "existential knot"1 (x-knot) to discuss with the group. The x-knot a person brings forward is whatever they wish to discuss, with three criteria:
Something personal,
Something bothersome,
Something they want clarity in.
Each inquiry will have a "philosophical guide."2 The guide role ensures that the inquiry moves toward greater clarity for whoever brings an x-knot.
The role of the guide has 60-90 mins to start and close the inquiry, and experiment with different ways to inquire together. We have found that the best form of group inquiry with x-knots is a one-on-one inquiry followed by written exercises.
Written exercise:
Each participant has 15-30 minutes to write a 500-word or under “flash philosophy”3 to themself that they sense would be wise for the group to see.
Optional pre-experience exercise:
Write a flash philosophy essay of 500 words or less on what your philosophy of life is. You can post it on your Substack or send it to me directly by replying to this email. Examples of 500-word philosophies:
Glossary:
Wisdom Commons - A place that makes wisdom more common.
Existential Knot - a personal issue that is bothersome and confusing, with difficulty articulating what the bother and confusion is.
Flash Philosophy - a philosophical essay that is written with word and/or time constraints.
Philosophical Guide - The individual who leads an inquiry toward greater clarity.
RSVP:
This experience is open to paid subscribers of the Less Foolish Substack. You can access the RSVP behind the paywall.
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