Browse Past Themed Common Rooms

Hosted by Edna R.S. Alvarez, Thursdays 2pm ET*

Previously offered in Fall 2024, Spring 2024

Open to 80-year-olds and older ‘senior-seniors’ alums only – explore action steps taken to continue a life of substance and substantiality. Some potential topics: the psychology of aging; external and internal ageism; intergenerational communication; disintegration and death.
*This CR will be held March 6th and 13th; April 3rd and 10th and 24th, and May 8th, one hour.

Hosted by Gavin Bingham, Wednesdays, 9am ET

Previously offered in Fall 2024 (as “Time and Infinity”)

Come explore with other questioning minds whether the quest for truth is feasible and whether trust is meaningful in our ever-changing world. Drawing on our experience, observations and a set of sporadic readings, we shall explore how these two ideas have changed over time and what they might mean today and tomorrow.

Hosted by Rozina Mistry, 10am ET Thursdays

With my experience in 10 or more countries, I have seen some unique examples of delivering primary health care. I would like to invite alums to share the model currently present in their own countries with strengths and weaknesses and innovation inherent there. You don’t have to be a public health specialist to participate.

Hosted by Manouchehr Shamsrizi, Fridays 8am ET

In light of the UN’s International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, this Common Room will discuss the potential and risks of quantum technologies, their intersection with business and politics, and their impact on humanity. Quantum computing may currently be the most publicly discussed aspect, but different economic, research and political ecosystems engage with different aspects of quantum technology, such as quantum sensing and quantum communication.

Hosted by Kyle Kegang Wang, Sundays 9am ET

Previously offered in Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023

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.

Hosted by Toyota Horiguchi, Saturdays, 8am ET

Previously offered in Fall 2024

Japan: What to Make of It. Is it a messy outlier in decline or the happiest place in the world? Share your views, whether based on experiences, imaginations, or memories. We can also look further afield for comparison. Do Korea, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Singapore, facing modernization and Westernization, also simply stand as deviations in the current world order, or do they all offer a radical reimagining of its structures and narratives? Exploring their histories, cultures, and regional influence, can we discover alternative paradigms for understanding both global relations and the human story itself? Join us to discuss these rich perspectives, whether to contribute your own insights or simply to listen and reflect.

Hosted by Sihini Trinidad, Thursdays 10am ET

Previously offered in Fall 2024, Spring 2024

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.

Hosted by Kyle Kegang Wang, Sundays 10am ET*

Previously offered in Fall 2024

Everyone seems to be interested in freedom. But do we truly believe we are free without questioning and understanding 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 March 9, March 23, April 6, April 20, May 4, and May 18 (subject to changes agreed with the group once sessions start).

Hosted by Ali Van, every Saturday, 9am ET – Not accepting new participants this cycle

Previously offered in Fall 2024 (as “Limits of Compassion ‘ A Moral Imagination”), Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2022 (as “Limits of Compassion on Moral Imagination”)

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: this CR is continuing but not currently accepting new members.

We’re rapidly progressing into an era where the virtual blends into the real. There will soon be intelligent beings crafted from code with personality, memory, and prosody among us. What is their future, and how can we shape it in a pro-social manner? I run a consumer AI/game startup, and am excited to discuss the future of conversational AI, friendly AI, and virtual beings.

Come explore with other questioning minds just what belief and knowledge might be in all their multifarious guises. How are they related? How do they differ? What shapes them? How do they give our lives meaning, if they do at all. This themed CR follows on from the previous one on “Truth and Trust”, which followed “The Lost Art of Flirtation”, which in turn followed on from “Consciousness and Identity”.

Being a ‘senior-senior’™ – i.e. 80 years old and older – is definitely a new and different life chapter. If you are a ‘senior-senior’™- 80 years old or older – who had an active work-centric life and now do not, but you want to continue as a person of substance/a change agent/a person of intellectual curiosity – this CR may be for you. Together, we will share how we are being pro-active while faced with issues of ageism; reduced social connectivity; changes in mobility; increased invisibility; loss/grief; joy and other issues as the CR participants determine.

As a mother of four, and founder of international education programs, I wish to facilitate diverse sharing of development strategies for our daughters and sons to become better global citizens in our increasingly complex and speedy world. Through interactive sessions, we will explore principles of base humanity such as Eastern spiritual pillars (eg self-morality, harmony, peace) to Western philosophical concepts (eg rationality, individualism). Also, we will experience foundational values of ancestral heritage (eg responsibility, legacy) and rites-of-passage (eg ritual, grit). In addition, we will see how to reduce the impact of realities for our next generation (eg wars, economic disparity, inter-generational trauma). Our aim for this Common Room is to empower each of us to steward more precious and magical journeys for our Leaders of Tomorrow.

Sound is both art and science: vibration that shapes our brains, bodies, and cultures. Neuroscience shows how rhythm regulates stress, how music enhances memory, and how voice builds connection. This Common Room will explore sound across disciplines—from acoustics and physics to cultural expression and healing—inviting alumni to reflect on the profound ways sound influences how we learn, lead, and live.

This CR provides an in-depth discussion of recent cultural, political, economic, and technological developments in East Asia with a focus on Japan, South Korea and China. I have worked in Korea for 15 years and in Japan for 9 years and was a Chinese major at Yale. Welcome all interested in Asia to discuss the current developments in China, Japan and Korea, their interactions with each other and their significance for the United States.

To discuss the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in higher education, examining how it can redefine teaching, learning, research, innovation and the student experience.

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.

Do you reach for books when the world feels out of balance? In times of uncertainty, reading can be both an escape and a source of grounding. Some of us turn to comforting classics, others to poetry or philosophy, and still others to new voices that spark hope and resilience. Stories help us make sense of our lives, our hopes, our fears, our pasts, our futures—and sometimes they just give us a safe place to rest. This Common Room is a space for Yale readers to come together and share what we reach for when the present feels unwieldy. What books calm you, inspire you, or remind you of what matters most? Let’s exchange stories, recommendations, and reflections on the role of reading in today’s world.

Notes: gatherings are monthly.

• October 18: intro session — what do you read when you need comfort or courage?
• November 15: a book that shifted your perspective in a hard moment
• December 20: TBD — chosen by the group.

Are you a foodie? Do you love cooking, baking, or just enjoying a great meal? Come join us to share your passion… and your recipes! Food is essential to life—and to every culture. It’s how we nourish ourselves, but it’s also at the heart of celebrations (think of birthday cakes, holiday feasts) and even the tough moments (hello, ice cream therapy!). Every region and culture has its own unique flavours, stories, and kitchen secrets. This CR is all about bringing Yale food lovers together to swap stories, tips, and recipes from around the world.

Notes: meetings will take place on a monthly basis and a whatsapp/email channel might be set up to stay in touch and share recipes, recs, etc. (optional / opt in).

• October 26: intro session – let’s get to know each other and what food mean to us
• November 23: the dish that makes you feel at home – share your story
• December 21: TBD – To Be Defined by the group (ideas: iconic dish from your country | the safe, go-to recipe when hosting a dinner | favourite summer/winter recipe | a dish that changed your life)

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.

Do we truly believe we are free without questioning 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 helping our mind to be free or restricting it from being free? With the awareness that we are all conditioned by our native cultures and beliefs, how is freedom of expressions defined and impacted by our mind under conditioning? Further, how do our “free mind” and “free expressions” function in an age of deception and falsehood as it is today? How do we know what we hear or read is for common good, therefore worth passing? This CR attempts to investigate these questions via sharing perspectives, personal experiences and interpreting societal norms and legal codes in the U.S. and selected countries.

Come to explore these questions. This is a safe and open space where minds meet minds. It intends to be self-reflective and let each of our biases meet others’ biases through which we explore reality and define truth.

We invite participants to explore how evolving political, economic, and cultural currents are reshaping one of the world’s most enduring bilateral relationships. As global pressures mount and domestic priorities shift, this CR offers a timely space to reflect on what cooperation, competition, and connection might look like in the years ahead. It’s not just about policy–it’s about reimagining the neighborhood.