book lot on black wooden shelf

Explore Ideas with Les Philosophes

Join Les Philosophes to delve into thought-provoking discussions through our Philosophy Book Club. Connect with fellow thinkers and expand your worldview in an engaging, welcoming environment. Discover the power of philosophy to enrich your everyday life.

Please note that this is just a temporary website to share basic information about our book club. We will continue to use WhatsApp group for any day-to-day communications. We plan to update this site in next few days based on feedback from club members.

We welcome anyone with an interest in philosophy, preferably those who have completed the introductory course at the School of Practical Philosophy & Meditation.

Our book club selects each book by vote, and members are encouraged to share any passages from the selected book that inspire or resonate with them, connecting them to:

  • insights discovered within the passages,

  • meaningful lessons from the School of Practical Philosophy & Meditation classes, and

  • personal experiences that bring the Stoic ideas to life.

Currently Reading

We are currently reading All About Love: New Visions by bell hooks

If you want the full context, feel free to review the previous chapters, but if you don't have time to read, still come by — it'll be a fruitful conversation.

Good Reads Profile

Previously Read Books

Here are books read by our book club. Click in the book image for corresponding goodreads book reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who can join the Philosophy Book Club? Is the club suitable for beginners in philosophy?

    The club welcomes anyone with an interest in philosophy including beginners, preferably those who have completed the introductory course at the School of Practical Philosophy & Meditation. We provide a supportive environment to learn and explore philosophy.

  2. Are the discussions led by a moderator?

    Yes, each meeting is facilitated by one or two moderators to ensure engaging and respectful discussions.

  3. Do I need to read the entire book before attending a meeting?

    We strongly encourage reading the book in its entirety. This allows us to ground our discussions in the actual ideas of the text, complemented by reflections on personal experience rather than informal opinion alone.

  4. What do I need to bring to a book club meeting? 

    Members should bring a copy of the selected book in their preferred format to refer to specific passages or arguments during the discussion.

  5. How are the books selected for discussion? Can I suggest one?

    Books are chosen by member vote to ensure a diverse range of topics. We absolutely encourage you to submit titles for the community to consider!

  6. Where and when do we meet? 

    Weekly, typically on Wednesdays.

    Primary Location: 3rd-floor cafeteria, Barnes & Noble, Union Square

    Secondary Location: Pier 57 

    All updates on times and location are shared via our WhatsApp group.

  7. Can I attend a meeting without committing to full attendance?

    While no commitment is necessary, we request members to inform their attendance in advance so that we can plan for meeting logistics including any changes to meeting location.

  8. Is there a membership fee?

    There is no membership fee for joining the club.


Reference Materials

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Self-Reliance is an essay written by American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson. Check out these links and share any feedback with Grace when you meet her next time.

Let us explore ideas, ignite minds, transform lives with philosophy.

If you are interested, please contact us with your questions or comments.