Chapter: Conversational Spaces


Our debates were to be conducted in the sincere spirit of inquiry after truth, without fondness for dispute or desire of victory.

Credit: Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography

In this chapter, I explore various clubs, networks, and forums that have existed in the past or thrive today. These “spaces” serve as platforms for individuals to come together and engage in conversations, both in person and online.


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Introduction: Conversational Spaces Meeting places for conversations

Death Café The London Coffeehouses of the Enlightenment Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter Terminology First, let’s consider the terminology. People have gathered in various settings for conversation and social interaction throughout history. These settings include coffeehouses, salons, clubs, and, even in ancient times, around campfires. There is a need for a generic term … Continue reading Introduction: Conversational Spaces Meeting places for conversations

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The London Coffeehouses of the Enlightenment Centers of Enlightenment thinking

Introduction: Conversational Spaces British Gentlemen’s Clubs ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter The London coffeehouses of the 17th and 18th centuries were the engines of creation that helped drive the Enlightenment, the European intellectual movement that emphasized reason and individualism rather than tradition. Their history is a fascinating one. Modern-day coffee shops such as … Continue reading The London Coffeehouses of the Enlightenment Centers of Enlightenment thinking

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British Gentlemen’s Clubs ** Of the 17th and 18th Centuries

The London Coffeehouses of the Enlightenment Salons Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter During the 17th and 18th centuries, Britain witnessed the rise of various gentlemen’s clubs, which served as hubs for intellectual discourse, socializing, and the exchange of ideas. These clubs played a significant role in shaping the intellectual and cultural landscape of … Continue reading British Gentlemen’s Clubs ** Of the 17th and 18th Centuries

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Salons A gathering of people under the roof of an inspiring host

British Gentlemen’s Clubs ** Viennese Coffeehouses ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter In the 17th and 18th centuries, salons flourished in Paris, Vienna, and the rest of Europe. Salons were social gatherings hosted in private homes, usually by prominent women, in which men and women engaged in intellectual conversation in pursuit of knowledge. … Continue reading Salons A gathering of people under the roof of an inspiring host

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Benjamin Franklin’s Junto Club Benjamin Franklin founded the Junto Club - a conversational society in 1727

Viennese Coffeehouses ** Stammtisch Tables Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter Benjamin Franklin recognized the value of conversation and the importance of cognitive diversity in convening innovative conversations when he founded the Junto Club almost 300 years ago. In 1727, at the age of 21, Benjamin Franklin, who went on to become was one … Continue reading Benjamin Franklin’s Junto Club Benjamin Franklin founded the Junto Club – a conversational society in 1727

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The Dewaniya ** A reception area where a Kuwaiti man receives his business colleagues and male guests

Stammtisch Tables Death Café Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter The dewaniya – a form of Kuwaiti Knowledge Cafe? During my recent trip to Kuwait, I discovered a feature unique to Kuwaiti culture – a dewaniya. While running a Knowledge Café workshop, someone commented: “So the Knowledge Cafe is a little like a dewaniya.” … Continue reading The Dewaniya ** A reception area where a Kuwaiti man receives his business colleagues and male guests

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Death Café At a Death Café people drink tea, eat cake and discuss death

The Dewaniya ** Introduction: Conversational Spaces Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter A Death Café is an informal gathering that encourages open conversations about death, dying, and related topics. It provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals to share their thoughts, fears, and experiences while embracing diverse perspectives and exploring various cultural, spiritual, … Continue reading Death Café At a Death Café people drink tea, eat cake and discuss death