‘Winter wisdom classes coming soon’

     

“It is easy in the world to live after the world’s opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson
Self-Reliance


Irrefutable words of wisdom, from most likely the only philosopher ever named Ralph! Winter is near, so it must be time for the School of Practical Philosophy’s Emerson Study Group. That’s five classes, on Tuesday evenings, from January into March. From the publicity:

The teaching of Ralph Waldo Emerson is an expression of the highest spiritual knowledge—the philosophy of Unity. Drawing on the wisdom from Plato and the East, Emerson knew from direct experience and observation that Unity is the true reality. He spoke of “one mind common to all” and of “one soul which animates all things.” His writings are both revolutionary and reflective, and can help inspire our work toward self-realization.

Join in an in-depth study of his essential writings. No prior study is required.

School of Practical Philosophy

12 East 79th Street

Manhattan

January 14 and 28

February 11 and 25

March 10, all at 7 p.m.

$75 for any student currently enrolled and attending a Philosophy group in the School of Practical Philosophy.

$150 for others not enrolled who wish to join and attend.

Register here. And hurry.
     

‘Emerson on Self-Reliance’

     
It’s February already, and I still haven’t told you about the School of Practical Philosophy’s “Emerson and Spiritual Knowledge” lecture of three months ago. I’ll get to it, but it was that night when we were told to plan for this event on February 28, and tickets now are available. From the publicity:

Emerson Study Day

School of Practical Philosophy

12 East 79th Street in Manhattan

Sunday, February 28, 2016

8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

$25 per person

Come explore the spiritual and intellectual legacy of America’s great philosopher and teacher, Ralph Waldo Emerson. We shall study selected passages from his pivotal essay “Self-Reliance.” His words are both inspirational and fortifying and always address a love of freedom and a deep abiding need for self-reliance.

From the essay:

“It is easy in the world to live after the world’s opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude.”

All are welcome. No prior study of Emerson is required.

8:30 a.m. - Sign in (coffee available)
9 a.m. - Brief history and introduction followed by two study sessions in small groups

Fee - $25, which includes a light brunch and printed material.

Tickets can be purchased here.