Browse Past Themed Common Rooms

Life’s journey is a continuous negotiation. It can involve closing business deals, navigating personal relationships, accepting losses, or advising on matters of statecraft. Are you currently facing a challenging negotiation or a changing situation? Do you need to lead a contract, make a tough call, or readjust your own expectations? Join us for a thought-provoking experience! Through engaging discussions, guest speakers (yes, you could be the star!), and insights from history, philosophy, psychology, and politics, we will explore the myriad dimensions of ‘winning’. Come sail with us and re-emerge a masterful negotiator, ready for life’s challenges.

AI is shaping our future – for good and for bad. In this Common Room, we will explore some of the current trends in AI, the positive and negative implications for the future of humanity, and the role that we can all play in shaping what comes next. Once again I will be hosting a common room rooted in content that I am writing about, so we will follow a structured sequence of themes and I will provide context and provocation to spark discussion. The magic of the common room will come from hearing the diverse set of perspectives and lived experiences that emerge from the group.

This CR examines China’s historical perspective of itself as a nation, and “not” being viewed as a nation in the sense of modern nationhood by people in China and overseas. We will discuss its traditional, cultural, national character as a people (or never as “A” people), and how Chinese history, tradition and culture have shaped China’s worldview towards the outside world. We will explore China’s relations with all major nations and regions in the world and attempt to answer the questions such as: What does a new world order look like according to China if China succeeds in building such a world order in the 21st century? Will the world’s nations recognize and live by such a world order? Why and why not? What example, values and models will China project to the world as an economic power, a moral leader, and a cultural influence? What does it take for China to displace the current world order built and defended by the collective West? How likely and when would this new world order happen, if at all? All alumni, fellows and faculty who are interested in this theme are welcome. No prior knowledge of Chinese history, philosophy and politics is required to participate.

What significant, positive and extraordinary actions are you taking to remain relevant in your 70s [or way beyond]? To remain a person of substance? To continue as a change agent? To sustain your intellectual curiosity? This common room is for alums in this stage of life, for us to share specific action you have taken to remain engaged and relevant, and with what results. An example might be your creation of a monthly salon or the confrontation of institutions for their ageism. We will discuss how this chapter of your life is being embraced with energy and brilliance and action – or how it might move more in that direction.

Any topics related to public health, such as healthcare system, gene-environmental interaction, health behaviors, infectious diseases, chronic diseases, medications, etc. The goal of this CR is to give each other an opportunity to learn what we are doing and share thoughts and experiences.

Herein a wish to uphold what is core; what is immeasurable, what values within. Through dream interpretation and rhythmic modulations, LoCoMI will focus on bridging time; to look gently at how we strive, defend, release, and enrich what arrives – to move, activate, and integrate our living spirits, conscience calling, and spectral selves.

I experience the world as a Developing Country citizen at the level of an Economist’s income. CR members may have varying incomes and citizen bases. Yet we all have a home, which is the base of our wealth, some shares or stock as financial assets and money. Each of these three things can disappear in whole or part in value owing to the vagaries of bureaucracy and the international power system following their own logic. In an increasingly finance dominated world, we are whirled around. This Common Room is for persons to exchange views and experiences.

What do you consider strange? These days, what comes to mind is income inequality. Some lives are strangely enriched due to relatively small income disparity in society at large. I’m looking forward to hearing stories around the world where this might be true in large or small measure.

Change is inevitable. Whether this change is self-determined such as welcoming a new baby or a new job, or imposed, in the case of divorce or loss, we are forced to respond. How we respond to these transitions can shape our experience and outlook. Let’s embark on an intellectual journey together to unpack the strategies, mindsets, and research on ways to navigate the challenges wrought by transitions. We start with a discussion of Yale alumna Dr. Maya Shankar’s TED talk on Why Change Is So Scary — and How to Unlock Its Potential.

Come join other curious souls on an uncharted journey in search of the lost art of flirtation. It will take us through the byways of desire and discretion, biology and biography, mischief and morality, literature and cinema, psychology and sociology, etc. Those looking for a Baedeker for the journey could do worse than to peruse ‘Un Amour de Swann’ in Proust’s “Remembrance of Things Past” and/or watch at Volker Schlöndorff’s “Swann in Love”.

Are we living in a post-truth era? Is this an accurate depiction of the facts? How do we define conspiracy and its theorists and tell conspiracy from other types of “storytelling”? Why do perfectly rational and well-educated people believe in irrational tales? What’s the impact of cultures and geographies on humans’ ability and needs to tell stories and tell different stories? Is there a connection between conspiracies and “non-conspiracy” types of beliefs, and do they have the same or similar evolutionary roots, sharing similar psychological dimensions? This CR examines these questions and more, from psychological, philosophical, and societal angles, in an open and mind-to-mind exchange among Yale alumni who are interested in the history and development of conspiracies and storytelling and their difference. Use Dutch philosopher Baruch Spinoza’s words to summarize the purpose of this CR: “I have made a ceaseless effort not to ridicule, not to bewail, not to scorn human actions, but to understand them”. Join us in the efforts to understand ourselves and the products of our thoughts better, perhaps and hopefully for a better “self” and then a better world.

This CR brings Yale alumni from around the world in a frank dialogue about peace and reconciliation in the land of the Abrahamic religions. Topics will be wide and will include intra- and inter-state reconciliation, the history of Middle Eastern diversity, torture as social control, and an otherwise view from the ground of what it’s like to live in the Middle East today. Openness to new ideas is expected from all participants.

Life’s journey is a continuous negotiation. It can involve closing business deals, navigating personal relationships, accepting losses, or advising on matters of statecraft. Are you currently facing a challenging negotiation or a changing situation? Do you need to lead a contract, make a tough call, or readjust your own expectations? Join us for a thought-provoking experience! Through engaging discussions, guest speakers (yes, you could be the star!), and insights from history, philosophy, psychology, and politics, we will explore the myriad dimensions of ‘winning’. Come sail with us and re-emerge a masterful negotiator, ready for life’s challenges.

Adventures such as major life changes, moving to another country, “real” adventures in travel, challenges, etc. Planned, inadvertent or imposed on you. Lessons learned? How has it changed your life? Do it again?

Change is inevitable. Whether this change is self-determined such as welcoming a new baby or a new job, or imposed, in the case of divorce or loss, we are forced to respond. How we respond to these transitions can shape our experience and outlook. Let’s embark on an intellectual journey together to unpack the strategies, mindsets, and research on ways to navigate the challenges wrought by transitions. We start with a discussion of Yale alumna Dr. Maya Shankar’s TED talk on Why Change Is So Scary — and How to Unlock Its Potential.

Come join old friends and new acquaintances as we flirt with two profound and fascinating ideas: time and infinity. What is the difference between past, present and future? Is there an arrow of time? Was Blaise Pascal right when he said “The finite is annihilated in the presence of the infinite. . .”

Discussion of octogenarian specific action steps to insure that one continues being a person of substance, significance and self-worth. Some topic areas we might discuss: psychology of aging; ageism-external/internal; intergenerational connections; specific action work arounds; record of life [memoirs; genes etc.]; disintegration/decrepitude/death.

This might not be your typical Yale common room, but let’s dive in anyway. Let’s chat about things like plant healing, supernatural phenomena, real magic (not the card tricks), birth charts, crystals, and all things mystical that science hasn’t quite figured out yet.

Given the seemingly endless array of problems plaguing our world today, it can be nigh impossible to figure out even where or how to start helping fix some of these. This discussion group will focus on many philanthropic philosophies and movements throughout history, ranging from the first foundations established by the robber barons of the American Gilded Age, to the Green Revolution in agriculture, to the emergence of Effective Altruism in the 21st century, and more.

Is it a messy outlier in decline or the happiest place in the world? Share your views, whether based on experiences, imaginations, or memories.

Herein a resonant core; proffered to greet day in particle form. A place to attribute breathing, to value ours within. Limits of Compassion is a focus on bridging time; looking gently at how we strive, defend, release, and enrich what arrives – to move, sublimate, and integrate our living spirits, loving commitments, and incorporate selves. Naoizear. Weharoui? Note: In light of the sacredness and open circulation created within this CR, it welcomes participants who can commit to attending (nearly) all sessions.

In the face of modern warfare and global disputes, the notion of humanizing conflicts becomes crucial. This discussion will explore how recognizing the human element in conflicts—whether through the lens of ethics, empathy, or the impact on civilian populations—can shape our understanding and approach to conflict resolution. By focusing on the people behind the headlines, we aim to foster a deeper conversation about the moral responsibilities and humanitarian concerns that should guide actions in times of war.

Everyone seems to be interested in freedom. But do we truly believe we are free without questioning andunderstanding if our mind is free or if our mind is conditioned to see the world as we are, not as the reality is? Is the conditioning of our mind received during our growing up or from what we were taught helping our mind to be free or restricting it from being free? Leveraging evolutionary psychology, cognitive archaeology and other relevant investigative tools, this CR attempts to investigate questions such as:

• Is freedom of mind essential for our survival, for decoding reality as well as telling stories that benefit or damage our wellbeing?
• How does our mind decide what is true independent of authorities, gurus, role models, etc.?
• Is the “elemental mind/nature” important and does it still exist when we grow and mature?
• How is maturity of our mind defined?
• Is it correct to say that intelligence is about constant learning, unlearning and relearning things throughout our life?
• Is the passion to undo what we know and believe driven by freedom of mind or something else?
• Is self-censoring a freedom of mind or the opposite of it?
• Is freedom of mind dangerous? How so? Why so?
• How do culture and geography impact our concept of personal freedom and then our freedom of mind?
• Does freedom of mind provide benefits for our physical and mental wellbeing or fear, confusion and self-destruction, or both?
• Is the human mind “born free”, does it “stay free” as we age, how do we tell?
• Examining the relationship or feedback loop among freedom of mind (or lack of it), reason, knowledge, beliefs, experiences, ways of life, tribal solidarity, storytelling and human.progress, can we identify the root and impetus of this loop?

Come to explore these seemingly innocent questions. Bring your insights, questions, comments on the implications of freedom of mind in your own experience or interpretations wherever you’re from and however you grew up. You don’t need academic training in neuroscience or psychology. We want to break away from academic literature on how the mind works. Instead, we examine our own minds through mind-sharing. This is a safe and open space where minds meet minds, and we’ll have a feast of appreciation of how freedom of mind shapes reality, the world we live in and the future we build. It can be consequential.

*This CR will be held Oct. 18, Nov. 2, 16 and 30, and Dec. 14 and 28 (subject to changes agreed with the group once sessions start).

This CR examines China’s historical perspective of itself as a nation, and how it’s being viewed as a nation in the sense of modern nationhood by people in China and overseas. We will discuss its traditional, cultural, national characteristics as a people and how Chinese history, tradition and culture have shaped China’s worldview towards the outside world. We will explore China’s relations with all major nations and regions in the world and attempt to understand the questions such as: What does a new world order look like according to China if China succeeds in building such a world order in the 21st century? Will the world’s nations recognize and live by such a world order? Why and why not? What example, values and models will China project to the world as an economic power, a moral leader, and a cultural influence? What does it take for China to displace the current world order built and defended by the collective West? How likely and when would this new world order happen, if at all? All alumni, fellows and faculty who are interested in this theme are welcome. No prior knowledge of Chinese history, philosophy and politics is required to participate. Bring your perspectives and curiosities to this casual and welcoming forum.

This Common Room is for people to exchange views and experiences. I live in Sri Lanka and work as an Economist. My areas of work are primarily Stock Exchange, Gold trade, Affordable Housing and Community infrastructure. My set of clients are Sri Lanka, DRC Congo, Uganda, Kenya and Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. I am mainly concerned about economic collapse in these countries, and the patterns of corruption and abuse of power, and the democratic responses.