I am a rookie philosopher. I have Sartre’s book “Being and Nothingness” in my bookshelf, the French edition, L’Être et le Néant, but I ever only managed to read the first 2 pages, in two occasions, a few years apart. I understand those 2 pages well but they are so deep that I spend an hour reflecting on his words, taking notes, and then I don’t have energy for the rest. I tend to pick easier, more spiritual books like the Tao Te Ching.
Why do I say all this? Because in regards to philosophy there are 3 types of people: those who don’t care about it and enjoy small talk and light-hearted conversation. Those who dabble in philosophy like me, and the hard-core philosophers who have read and understand Sartre, Nietzsche, Descartes and others of the same caliber through and through.
And there seems to be a disconnect between the three groups in their ability to communicate. I get bored with small-talk, but most people get bored or overwhelmed with my philosophizing, and I get overwhelmed by the true philosophers’ texts.
The dinner & philosophy events are a way to breach this divide. By offering a nice relaxing atmosphere of dinner and drinks in my home and mentally preparing my guests, who are my friends, for a specific topic in philosophy that I pick according to who they are, I am hoping to make the experience enjoyable. Perhaps they will gain a taste of philosophy that may inspire them in their everyday life.
Another hope I have is that one day, a real philosopher, an academic who has written philosophical papers or books, will read my blog, enjoy it, and come to dinner! – Paty