Freethinkers in a regular Zeitgeist event where we discuss topics related to: Science, Technology, Nature and Sustainability. As you can imagine this is quite open-ended. A wide variety of topics end up being discussed. Topics we have covered in the past include: critical thinking, cryptocurrency & blockchain technology, environmental sustainability, internet freedom, economic inequality, universal basic income & technological unemployment, direct democracy, evolution, how money works, artificial intelligence, cognitive biases, the Scientific Method and more!
No topic need be too sacred. No idea above questioning. The point of this meetup is not only to hang out with like minded people and have fun on a Saturday or Sunday night 😉 but also to learn something new and to genuinely intellectually explore ideas. This means taking offence isn’t adequate grounds for objecting to an idea. Your ideas and worldview will be challenged. But it is all in the spirit of fun and getting closer to the truth not about being right or wrong.
Each event includes:
Informational presentations and/or videos clips to stimulate discussion on the chosen topic. The point of the event is to have a real discourse on the chosen topic through open discussion. If you’re getting a bit squeamish thinking this event is going to be super serious then relax it’s fun and all people and ideas are welcome. 🙂
This events topic is Nonviolent Communication (NVC). NVC is a system of communication developed by Marshall Rosenberg several decades ago. Universally applicable, not only does it increase the likelihood that everyone will get what they want but it also decreases the likelihood of violence. Rosenberg describes it as a way to make life more wonderful by allowing natural giving to take place. Or as he describes it giving from the heart without any sense of duty, obligation, guilt or shame. NVC explores the hidden/implied meaning in what we say and attempts to remove judgement or blame from what we say. It is common to imply blame, wrongness or fault with someone’s action without even knowing it which can cause resentment and a defensive reaction. It does this by eliminating the competitive, adversarial and violent provocative style of communication that has infected most of our lives.
If you are interested in learning new strategies for communication this NVC workshop will begin Sunday afternoon at 3:30pm in the Brisbane Square Library’s Theatrette (Ground Floor) and going late into the evening ending up in a bar or restaurant.
See you there! 🙂
Zachary Alexander – The Zeitgeist Movement Queensland Coordinator