Doomer Optimists and Unconformed Pilgrims
Peco and I are currently working on an upcoming post on Architecture for a Free Mind. See this note, if you would like to contribute to our project. Our final live meeting will be scheduled soon - stay tuned for details. In the meantime, we wanted to share some exciting news with you:
Doomer Optimism, n. A collective dedicated to discovering regenerative paths forward, highlighting the people working for a better world, and connecting seekers to doers.
-term coined by Ashley Fitzgerald in a 2021 tweet
Do you ever wish that you could gather with like-minded people to discuss urgent questions about navigating life, love, and community in the Machine Age? Not just online, but in person, accompanied by shared meals, spirited conversation, poetry readings, all in an unhurried setting that helps spark new insights and deepen connections?
Peco and I are excited to announce that we have been invited as keynote speakers to this year’s Doomer Optimist gathering in Ligonier, PA on Nov. 7 - 8.
The Savage Collective, together with Ashley Fitzgerald of the Doomer Optimism community will be hosting this extraordinary event, as described by Grant Martsolf:
We’ll tackle some of the most urgent and thought-provoking questions of today. Together, we’ll explore the far-reaching effects of technology, the promises and dangers of transhumanism, and the search for meaning in a world increasingly defined by machines. Our discussions will challenge how the Machine influences everything from the structure of families and our relationship with the environment to issues of personal freedom and social inequality, all while celebrating moments of creative rebellion. Well-known writers, thinkers, and activists will lead our conversations. Beyond the conversations, there’s so much more to look forward to—hiking, sing-alongs, potluck meals and lively debates over drinks. Our shared meals will be a time for toasts, laughter, and deep, informal chats that bring us closer and open up new perspective.
The Free Press featured last year’s gathering at The Wagon Box in the town of Story, Wyoming (The People Who Rage Against the Machine by Suzy Weiss), and you can read all about the most recent event in Margetville, NY, which included Paul Kingsnorth, Matthew B. Crawford, N.S. Lyons, A.M. Hickman, in The Epicenter of Machine Resistance.
The keynote speakers for this year’s event will include Peco and me, Freya India1, and N.S. Lyons2. There will be panel discussions led by Grant Martsolf (The Savage Collective), Ashley Fitzgerald, and Michael Toscano3 (Director of the Family First Technology Initiative), among others.
One of the many unique aspects of this gathering is that it is a participant-curated event, which means that attendees can contribute to panels, present papers, and actively shape discussions.
This is a small-scale event and spots are very limited. You can learn more details and register here. 4
Families are encouraged to join—this event is designed to welcome and inspire all generations.
We hope to see you there!
“Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.”
– Robert Frost
Unconformed Pilgrims
On April 29th 2004 I embarked on my first Camino pilgrimage. Twenty years later to the day, Peco and I announced that we would be leading fellow pilgrims along the last 100 km of this ancient trail from June 14th to 24th, 2025. Today, one year and one day after our announcement, we are making our final preparations.
We still have a few spots available and would love for you to join us!
Camino curious? We recently recorded a live meeting discussing what to expect and how to prepare spiritually and practically for our pilgrimage. I’ve created a summary of the highlights of our discussion (as well as a handy packing list:) that you can download below. You can access the recording here, enter passcode 30.MUc#9
Is the Camino on your “bucket list”? Have you always longed to go on pilgrimage, but are not sure you want to do so on your own? Do you have an upcoming anniversary you would like to celebrate? Are you in need of spiritual renewal and nourishment? Do you know someone who might like to go on the Camino?
There are always reasons to put off a trip of a lifetime - responsibilities, finances, stress - but sometimes a door does open, and it’s the right time to step through.
During our recent meeting, Peco, Dixie Dillon Lane, and me had an inspiring conversation about the Camino, talked about the places we will visit, how to prepare both physically and spiritually, and answered some questions from our fellow pilgrims.
See this post for more details and a complete itinerary to download the brochure, or register directly here.
Even for the non-religious, it is impossible to walk in the footsteps of the millions who have trudged, bled, prayed, laughed and cried along this route for over 1,000 years, and to see the monuments that have been inspired by that faith, and not be moved.
It is impossible to be exposed to the openness and generosity of your fellow pilgrims and the native Spaniards along the way and not be inspired to introduce more of that behaviour into your own pilgrimage through life.
from Solo in Spain by Rocco Rossi
Just a few of the highlights that we are looking forward to:
Bon Camino!
See: You Don’t Need to Document Everything, The Right Has Forgotten Feeling (published in First Things), The Courage to Commit: In conversation with Mary Harrington, Rejecting the Machine: In conversation with Paul Kingsnorth
The registration fee covers costs of keynote speaker travel, event space, and some food. A limited number of need-based scholarships are available; e-mail Grant Martsolf if you would like to discuss this.
I love that you think practically. Bring the community in 🫶🏼
Thank you. You’ve given me ideas on what I can do for my paid subscribers. My work will always be my own.