(the word "salon" is a reference to the 17th century French thing)

(the word "Jeffersonian-style dinners" is a reference to dinners like the ones that Jefferson would host)

Logistics

  1. One table - We could technically push two tables together, but we'll be having only one conversation.
  2. 8-10 guests - We try to limit the amount of attendees to ensure we can have a single conversation. If more people are interested in participating, we can split it up into several sessions.
  3. One topic - It can be anything. A topic we're passionate about, a challenge that concerns us, an issue we're fascinated or confused by, an epic issue of our age. The first few topics will be selected by the core team, but would ideally later on are outsourced by the community.
  4. Location - First few will likely be hosted at Bill's place (Bay Area) and John's place (New York), but we would love to have the community volunteer to host!
  5. Food - Will vary based on the session, but generally potluck-style (everyone signs up to bring something, from entrees to appetizers to drinks to desserts).
  6. An icebreaker topic and pre-reading - This will be shared ahead of time to make sure that we have something to talk about at the beginning.

Main Rule

We must have a single conversation. When someone talks, the whole table listens. The whole time. That’s 8 to 10 brains on one topic. It’s powerful and unique.

<aside> 💡 What makes a conversation really good? It's one that makes you question something you thought you understood well. One that leaves you feeling a sense of wonder and optimism. One that gives you a new understanding of the world. One that encourages vulnerability and brings you and your counterpart closer together.

A good conversation involves asking lots of questions, and spending the time needed to explore answers to them. It involves each participant teaching the others something from their own knowledge and experiences, and approaching disagreements with reason and curiosity, with the goal of finding the truth. It involves actively making progress towards a better understanding of our selves and our world.

The only prerequisite for participating: you have to believe that conversation (exploring thoughts and ideas with openness, reason, and compassion) is an effective tool for getting closer to the truth.

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Roles