About


What is it?

“Darkly” is a chance to meet face-to-face and discuss a wide variety of intellectual topics, in an analogue fashion; the idea is to disconnect from the internet and to connect in person.

The best way to stay up-to-date is to subscribe to join the WhatsApp group. See this announcement for more information or to join!

When and where is it?

We meet in-person, on some (but not all) Wednesdays at 7pm, at the Parcel Yard in King’s X station. Normally we are in the large room to the right of the bar labelled “Waiting Room.”

You can also subscribe using Google Calendar for upcoming events.

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How do I get involved?

Please sign up here:

Join the conversation

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You can also just turn up. There is no need to RSVP. Don’t worry about arriving late or leaving early; you’re free to come and go as you please. There is also no commitment to attend regularly; come along whenever suits you.

How long have you been meeting?

The inaugural meeting was on 26 November 2018. We met fortnightly at the Sekforde Arms, Clerkenwell, until February 2020. We then met on Zoom from 2020 to 2021, and started meeting again in person on 23 February 2022.

What are the topics of discussion?

The original plan was to cover a broad topic, theme, or question over several months. We spent about a year on freedom, then a year on information, a year on political manifestos, and a year on creation myths.

We are now letting topics self-organize in the WhatsApp group. See this announcement for details.

Topics will be wide-ranging, and have included philosophy, literature, art, science, economics, and history. No prior knowledge of a subject is required, and we welcome people of all interests and disciplines. We strive to maximise conversation while minimise admin.

Do I need to prepare?

In the past we have sent out optional reading assignments, but you need not prepare anything specific. Come as you are. If you have read, seen, or done anything related to the topic (or of general interest) in the recent past, you may wish to bring notes about it, but there is no pressure to do any formal presentation.

The goal is an enjoyable and interesting discussion. We’re trying to navigate between the Scylla of the lectern and the Charybdis of a piss-up.

That said, if you are an expert or have a deep interest in a field, we would be very enthusiastic to hear how your field regards the topics we’re discussing, or for you to propose future topics.

Two ideas:

  • Think of a theme or question you might like to discuss in a session.
  • Bring a recommendation of a book, film, article, or anything else that excites you.

Are there any rules?

We try to avoid using phones when possible. You may wish to bring pen and paper.

Can I bring friends?

Absolutely. You’re encouraged to invite anyone interested in taking part.

What about food and drinks?

Food and drinks are available at the pub.

What’s with the name?

It’s from the King James Version of 1 Corinthians 13.  No, this is not a religious group. It is also the name of an excellent Bergman film. Here is a modern translation. The quote captures some ideas behind these meetings: Disconnect, to combat ignorance, by speaking directly to people.

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish thingsFor now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

Who are you?

I’m Bryan Kam. You can find me elsewhere online via the links here.