Intellectually Curious?
Explore science, society, and the arts, in small-group settings, for pleasure and breadth.
Semper Curious is a learning community for inquisitive adults. Small-group discussions led by university guest scholars, plus Articles, Colloquia, and Learning Sprints to cultivate curiosity, discussion, and insight.
You are naturally inquisitive
You read a lot. You listen to podcasts, watch documentaries, search the web. You’re curious about nature, society, the arts. You enjoy deep conversations about ideas, with family, friends, and co-workers.
But often it feels haphazard
Sure, it’s easy to find something interesting to watch or read. But so much time can be spent skimming the surface or chasing links or, alternatively, diving into a vast sea of complexity.
And solitary too
If something excites your interest but is even slightly specialized, it may be hard to find someone who knows enough — or cares enough — to spend twenty minutes discussing it with you.
A more congenial approach
The ingredients: (a) an informal community of like-minded learners, (b) a network of knowledgeable guest scholars, (c) right-sized offerings on meaningful topics, and (d) a platform that pulls it all together.
Welcome to Semper Curious
Participants choose activities based on interest and available time. Sometimes “right-sized” will be a 5-minute article on quantum probability. Or perhaps a scholar-led Seminar on DNA repair or economic inequality (1 hour readings, plus 1 hour online discussion). For a deeper dive into a single field like political science or philosophy, there are Learning Sprints (mini-courses featuring short readings and online discussions with scholars; a few hours a week, over three weeks.)
Over time, participants absorb concepts and methods across many fields, learning what’s at stake — intellectually and practically — and how scholars approach each subject. And it happens at each individual’s pace, in an atmosphere of informal collegiality.
What participants are saying
“The Semper Curious experience has been terrific for me. It’s a really good counterpoint to the reading and thinking I was already doing online, and in books and magazines. I really appreciate that you’re doing this, and am looking forward to where it all goes.”
“One of my favorites so far… I think you have a winning formula, and I’m looking forward to the next topics to be added!”
“The readings and videos for this seminar are exactly what I have been talking about – they are interesting, complex, sophisticated, and informative.”
“A real treat. The caliber of guest scholar and participants is impressive and made for such a rich conversation.”
It’s easy to get started
Semper Curious offers a variety of free events and activities. Sign up below for invitations and updates.
Nurture your curiosity!
Semper Curious is a community of learners exploring science, society, and the arts. Informal, yet substantive, with diverse topics and formats, including small-group discussions with university guest scholars.