Wed, May 28
|Portland
Does Thinking About Death Lead to a Good Life?
The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy & The Death of the Moth by Virginia Woolf ⏱️ Time Commitment: Approx. 2 hours
May 28, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Portland, 2400 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232, USA
The Death of Ivan Ilyich" by Leo Tolstoy- A narrative of existential crisis, this text invites deep reflection on life’s value as Ivan Ilyich confronts his own mortality. ~30 pages
The Death of the Moth by Virginia Woolf- A brief but powerful essay, Woolf’s work uses the image of a moth’s final struggle to explore life’s fragility and the inevitability of death. ~3 pages
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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 text 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'm doing an online Premise session. What should I expect?
💻 Join our virtual sessions for a stimulating conversation with participants from across the country. Our online format doesn't compromise on engagement – expect lively discussions and thought-provoking exchanges. The Zoom link will be provided after registration.
At Premise, we encourage a camera-on environment as one way to help everyone feel more connected during our online sessions. While we know not everyone can participate visually, having cameras on creates a more personal and interactive experience for those who can. It's just one of many ways we foster connection and ensure engaging conversations.
To reduce background noise, we ask that participants stay on mute until they are speaking, ensuring a smooth and focused discussion for all.
🍺 Feel free to bring your favorite alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage to the conversation.
I signed up for an in-person Premise session. What should I expect?
Expect a vibrant and engaging evening of conversation. In-person Speakeasy sessions are held in accessible locations such as pubs, coffee shops, or coworking spaces with private areas reserved just for us.
The session space opens 30 minutes before the official start time, so participants can grab a drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and meet others before diving into the discussion.
Don’t worry—we promise it won’t be awkward! We begin promptly, so we encourage everyone to arrive early to settle in. The setting is relaxed and welcoming, and there's no need for small talk.