Sun, Jan 18
|Premise
What is happiness, really?
Peter Singer, "The Solution to World Poverty" Flannery O'Connor, "The Life You Save May Be Your Own" ⏱️ Preparation: <1.5 hours
Jan 18, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Premise, 722 N Page St, Portland, OR (the Gotham Building)
We'll send you the reading as soon as you register. Preparation takes <2 hours.
Session Description: An exploration of happiness, joy, and the limits of self focus
We live in a culture that treats happiness as both a personal responsibility and a measurable outcome. We are encouraged to manage it, improve it, and display it. But what if this framework misunderstands the experience altogether?
This session explores whether happiness can coexist with suffering, whether joy requires letting go of control, and whether a meaningful life might look different from a happy one. Together, we will examine what happens when we stop asking how to be happier and start asking what we are orienting our lives toward instead.
Conversation Catalysts: Viktor Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning ( Selected chapter: “The Case for Tragic Optimism”)
Frankl argues that happiness cannot be pursued directly. Drawing on his experiences in extreme suffering, he suggests that happiness emerges only as a byproduct of meaning, responsibility, and orientation toward something beyond the self.
Zadie Smith, “Joy”
Smith reflects on joy as fleeting, embodied, and often untethered from our ideas of a good or successful life. Her essay resists neat conclusions, inviting us to sit with the tension between joy’s intensity and its impermanence.
Arthur C. Brooks, “To Get Happier, Make Yourself Smaller”
Brooks challenges the modern emphasis on self focus and self optimization, arguing that humility, service, and self forgetting may be essential to lasting wellbeing.
Together, these readings create a productive friction for conversation: happiness as a goal versus happiness as a byproduct, self focus versus self transcendence, permanence versus momentary joy. They ask whether our pursuit of happiness reflects clarity about what we want, or confusion about what actually sustains a life.
What should I expect at a Premise session?
What are the expectations for preparation?
At Premise, we understand that your time is valuable, so we keep preparation light—typically under 2 hours. Each session revolves around a core text, whether it’s a short story, film, or essay, providing a shared foundation for meaningful conversation. This approach ensures everyone is ready to dive into thoughtful dialogue, creating a richer and more engaging experience. Your preparation means we all have a common starting point for exploring big ideas together.
Do I need to have previous experience with the author, film, or question?
No, not at all! At Premise, we value both beginner eyes and deep experience—each brings something unique to the conversation. Whether you’ve been in many intellectual discussions or this is your first, our sessions are designed to make everyone feel comfortable and engaged. You don’t need to be an expert; our structure and guidelines help ensure that both the novice and the seasoned thinker feel welcome and supported. Premise is for anyone curious about life’s big questions.
What is a Premise session like?
A Premise session is a thoughtfully crafted, expertly facilitated conversation using the Premise discussion model. Together, we explore life’s enduring questions through short works of literature, film, or art. With just 1-2 hours of preparation, you’ll join a vibrant, meaningful discussion where the following values are embraced:
Active Participation: Everyone comes prepared to engage thoughtfully.
Listening & Reflection: We prioritize listening and reflection over debate.
Shared Inquiry: Our conversations are driven by curiosity and mutual exploration.
Premise creates a welcoming space for both beginners and experienced thinkers, ensuring every voice is heard in a dialogue that inspires deep learning and connection. Learn more about the participant experience.
Wait! These enduring questions are a bit weighty. Will this actually be enjoyable?
Absolutely! While we tackle life’s big questions, the atmosphere is engaging and enjoyable. At Premise, we believe learning should be joyful, not intimidating. Our expert facilitators guide the conversation in a way that makes deep topics approachable, encouraging curiosity and connection rather than pressure or competition. You’ll leave feeling inspired, connected, and enriched by the experience—plus, it’s fun to dive into meaningful discussions with fellow curious minds!
I signed up for an in-person Premise session. What should I expect?
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