Philosophy for Life
Join a friendly discussion questioning ideas about hustle, success, and independence at Rinconada Library.
Philosophy for Life A friendly reading and discussion group at the library, exploring big ideas about how we live and what we value. Why do we believe that success means constant hustle, that more is always better, or that everyone must go it alone? What other ways of thinking might help us make sense of everyday life? Together, we'll read accessible texts from different philosophical traditions and enjoy open, respectful conversations about the assumptions shaping our world. Open to adults, young adults and seniors. No background in philosophy required—just curiosity and a willingness to talk and listen. We'll read the following books: Living for Pleasure: An Epicurean Guide to Life by Emily A. Austin A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy by William B. Irvine Choosing Freedom: A Kantian Guide to Life by Karen Stohr On Being and Becoming: an Existentialist Approach to Life by Jennifer Anna Gosetti-Ferencei Blooming in the Ruins: How Mexican Philosophy Can Guide Us Toward the Good Life by Carlos Alberto Sánchez We'll meet every first and third Sunday at the Rinconada Library from 3:30 PM to 4:45 PM. In order to ensure an engaging discussion in which all can participate, attendance is limited to registrants. If the maximum capacity has been reached, please join the waitlist and you will be notified if you have been added to the group. Also, if you need to cancel your registration, please do so by 6:00 PM the Thursday before the meeting so people on the waitlist can be registered. *A detailed list of readings for each meeting can be found on the library calendar under the date of the corresponding meeting. Moderated by Natalia & Lottie, PACL staff. For November 1st: Topic: Epicurus's Advice: Make Friends and Be Frank with Them "Every friendship is desirable for itself, but it has its origin in personal advantage." Vatican Sayings 23. "We do not need the help of our friends so much as the confidence that our friends will help us." Vatican Sayings 34. "The man continually seeking help is no friend, nor is the one who never links help with friendship. For the one barters kindness for favors, while the other cuts off hope for the future." Vatican Sayings 39. "Of all the things that wisdom provides for the happiness of the whole man, by far the most important is the acquisition of friendship." Principal Doctrine 27. Literature: Living for Pleasure. An Epicurean Guide to Life by Emily A. Austin. Chs. 6 (pp. 54-65) and 7 (pp. 66-79). Some Questions to Discuss: What are the two main qualities that make a relationship a friendship, according to Emily Austin's analysis of Epicurus's views on friendship? [Austin, 56-7] Austin says that "a shared sense of what truly matters" [64] is a core condition for friendship. What is the meaning of this condition? Do our current ideas about friendship coincide with those of Epicurus? What do we value in friendship? What is "frank speech" for you? Why can we be uncomfortable with telling a friend the truth? What is the reason for feeling this way? Can we be frank even with ourselves? A friend vs. Psychologist: where does your preference lie and why?
- When
- Sunday, November 1, 2026 · 3:30 PM–4:45 PM
- Where
- Rinconada Library — 1213 Newell Rd. Palo Alto Map
- Listed by
- Palo Alto City Library
- Registration
- Registration full · Check with the organizer
- Refreshed