The most wonderful social activity to stimulate your nerdy brain

“Do you think people are aware enough of how media outlets manipulate our decisions?”

The Greek drilling engineer looked me squarely in the eyes. I replied “I don’t think they are, but I think that it depends per demography”

He looked at me and smiled. “I didn’t think other people thought about these issues.”

We were both thrilled and amazed.

Others people think about these complicated subjects?!

Better yet we were discussing them. Of course, like many others, all of us had read and discussed articles online. But talking about them in real life. That was a whole new experience.

Next to us a dialogue about game theory arised. Another heated debate concerning the fossil fuel bubble reached its apex.

This was amazing!

I had so much fun discussing all these varying subjects. This was easily one of the best nights in my life.

A wide scope of subjects was touched upon. All kinds of interests were stimulated. A whole night of talking, a few beers and a lot of laughter.

My multi-interested brain was overflowing with dopamine. Just because the eight of us were sitting in a poorly lit Dutch pub and discussing the world.

We called this quantum-club.

The gathering

A dear friend of mine had gathered us. He had created a group of open minded individuals. Gathered from different walks of life.

To discuss.

Discuss what? …… Well everything that tickled our intellect!

Since that evening we meet monthly. Effectively enjoying dozens of mini TED-talks a night.

You might think? Is this another mastermind group pitch? Nope!

What I am talking about is a discussion group.

A group where you can talk about difficult and interesting subjects. A group consisting of smart passionate people. All eager to share and learn.

Currently our fellowship contains a lawyer, an architect, a few engineers, a doctor and a anthropologist. And we intend to grow and diversify.

So what does this human stewing pot discuss?

– How information can travel faster than light through quantum entanglement
 — The effect of right wing politics on terrorism threats in Europe
 — Why art has shifted more to expression than perfection of crafts
 — How the shadow of the ego affects individuals and subcultures
 — And whether Rick and Morty is insane or genius

And much much more

One of the best perks; you can quote books and scientific articles. Without being frowned upon or laughed at.

We listen and learn. The most fascinating arguments arise naturally. It is a group where we can hypothesize, argue and laugh.

An activity that triggers your multipotential brain in many ways.

The invigorating impulses

You can share and learn about subjects you are interested in. As well learn of new fields. Ones you didn’t even know existed! Better yet, you do it face to face. I met a few amazing new friends this way! And so can you.

It is one thing to discuss over the interwebs. It is something else entirely IRL. Looking people in the eyes, telling them you disagree. You may not be swayed by arguments or charisma. But you learn how it is to voice your opinion over complicated matters.

You learn to be disagreed with. Experiencing that people argue with your ideas. Developing greater understanding and empathy for others. As well as building some resilience to resistance of others.

By having a recurring meeting, you are stimulated to explore more and new interests. You read more, you undertake more, you think more. All so you can have cool meetup next time.

It is very constructive ‘peer pressure’.

This activity can actually get you a job.

I recently was talking to a startup founder. He asked me what I did in my spare time. Next to the regular list of sports, going out and surfing the digital waves. I told him about the discussion group.

His eyes lit up. “a thinker” “someone who grows besides his occupation”. I got offered an interview at the spot. This extra activity can give you an interesting edge on the competition.

I want one, with an extra order of fries!

So you might think. How the heck do I initiate a group like that? Is it difficult?

Nope! Super easy!

First think about the kind of people you want to join. Look for passionate, intelligent, open minded people.

I bet you have a friend or two who fit this description. They too have friends who fit the bill. Network a bit and create a group of around 7 people and organize a meeting.

Stuck because of lack of open minded friends?

Go to facebook. Post your intentions to your extensive list of acquaintances. Or visit a forum you frequent. See if someone in the vicinity is interested! Alternatively create an event at meetup.com or something similiar.

Important though, set the right expectations.

Explain your intentions in advance. And again at the start of a meeting. You are having a group discussion over varying subjects, were people listen, respect each other and create a stimulating setting.

Set the date and arrange the right setting.

Go for drinks in a quiet pub. Offer to cook a meal at your place. Or enjoy the sun in a park. Whatever, as long as you have a space to discuss away!

It helps to define a theme in advance. So you can have a starting point. The conversation will meander naturally from there.

I hope I have motivated you to gather a group of interesting friends. To gather and start discussing away! Share, learn and meet. It is honestly one of the most stimulating things to do!

Originally published at techlecticism.com on April 4, 2016.