The Friends

These are the people and places we read, watch and learn from: the wider street-philosophy crew behind the thinking that finds its way onto our Ts. None of them pay us. We just like their work.

Ideas & articles

  • Aeon
    Long-form essays on ideas, culture, science and philosophy.
  • Psyche
    Aeon's sister magazine on the human mind, emotions and how to live.
  • Big Think
    Big ideas from science, philosophy and culture, in short sharp pieces.
  • Mini Philosophy
    Jonny Thomson's short, friendly hits of philosophy for everyday life.
  • The Marginalian
    Maria Popova's long-running curation of books, art and meaning (once Brain Pickings).
  • After Dinner Conversation
    Short stories built around ethics questions, made for after-dinner debate.
  • Institute of Art and Ideas (IAI)
    Debates, articles and video on philosophy, science and politics; home of HowTheLightGetsIn.
  • ClearerThinking.org
    Tools and essays for clearer reasoning, better decisions and mental habits.
  • MIT Press
    Academic publisher whose newsletter often flags philosophy and mind titles.
  • Steve McIntosh
    Developmental and integral philosophy - books, essays and updates.
  • Nonzero
    Robert Wright on evolution, mind, politics and meaning.

Talks & events

  • Sophia Club
    Live philosophy nights and talks in London, New York, Melbourne and beyond.
  • Garrison Institute
    Contemplative retreats and talks bridging science, spirit and social change.

Practical philosophy

  • The School of Life
    Emotional intelligence, relationships and living well, taught with a philosophical tilt.
  • Integral Life
    Integral and developmental theory community, courses and applied metatheory.
  • Applied Metatheory
    Big-picture frameworks for meaning and development, alongside Integral Life.
  • Waking Up
    Sam Harris's meditation app and talks on mind, ethics and contemplation.
  • Open Heart Project
    Susan Piver's online meditation community with Buddhist-rooted practice.
  • Shambhala
    Buddhist meditation teachings and online programmes from the Shambhala tradition.
  • Nalanda Institute
    Contemplative science and Buddhist psychology courses and events.
  • Secular Buddhist Network
    A network for secular, naturalistic Buddhist practice and dialogue.

Philosophy for children

  • PLATO
    Philosophy Learning and Teaching Organization - philosophy with and for young people.
  • Thoughtful
    UK charity for philosophical enquiry with children and communities (formerly SAPERE).
  • Center for Philosophy for Children
    University of Washington hub for philosophy with kids; now merged with PLATO, site still live.

Societies & institutes