To praise conviviality in the spirit of Ivan Illich is to remember that the future is not engineered; it is befriended. As we gather in response to Dougald’s invitation, we acknowledge that the giant institutions of our age cannot give us what we actually need. True hope does not look to the sky for salvation; it looks across the room. It is found in autonomous, creative intercourse among persons, in the sacred obligation of hospitality, and in the quiet courage to be present with one another. In this circle, through our intentional limits, we find an abundant freedom. This sounds very utopian and idealistic. We need to incarnate the encounters, the friendships, the real connections and nows.
I first encountered Illich when a friend shared the quote: "the corruption of the best is the worst." It wasn't original to Illich, but it was through his writing I explored this concept, which rings so true to me. I'm in Toronto and raise my hand to a convivial dinner with others who have found Illich to be profound in stirring ideas and concepts.
Thanks, Lynda, that's great! I can definitely think of a few folks in and around Toronto who I could point in your direction. Would you mind filling out this little form so that we can add you to the map?
I've been delighted to hear from a couple of people already interested in joining our gathering in Durham, NC! I'm open to ideas or guidance about how we might also bring Illich into the space for people who aren't familiar yet with his work.
That's great to hear, Sara! In early August, I'm going to send around some notes and ideas for anyone who is hosting a gathering, inspired by your query. Meanwhile, I'm curious if anyone else reading this has thoughts!
Or perhaps A Flame in the Dark, which was the title of one of the chapters in David Cayley's Ivan Illich: In Conversation, and slightly less redolent of Elton John! :-)
Thanks, Katy! For some reason, your form entry doesn't seem to have come through. Apologies if it's something not working on our end. If you prefer, you can send me a DM on Substack with your email address and any information you'd like us to include.
Thanks, Sam! There's no one in Bristol signed up as a local contact yet, though I imagine there are folks who would be keen to get together. Shall I put you on the map?
Thanks, Hugh! I've put you on the map as a contact for Bath. My suggestion would be that we add both you and Sam, then check in again in August to see whether it makes sense to have two gatherings or combine.
Thanks Dougald, I’ll put myself on the contacts list and we can fine tune nearer the time. I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a fair bit of interest in Bristol!
Hi Dougald, David Cayley died last week. I only just found out when listening to one of his podcast interviews. He was such an important part of the conversations and thinking that opened up from the thoughts and writings of Ivan Illich.
Yes, indeed. The news of David's death reached us a couple of nights ago and I have been intending to write a remembrance of him. His role in sharing and opening up Illich's work was so important, wasn't it? I had the chance to get to know him in the last few years and he was a delightful man. I understand that he died quite suddenly of a heart attack while sitting playing the guitar with friends. As a mutual friend wrote to me, "there are worse ways to go." Truly.
To praise conviviality in the spirit of Ivan Illich is to remember that the future is not engineered; it is befriended. As we gather in response to Dougald’s invitation, we acknowledge that the giant institutions of our age cannot give us what we actually need. True hope does not look to the sky for salvation; it looks across the room. It is found in autonomous, creative intercourse among persons, in the sacred obligation of hospitality, and in the quiet courage to be present with one another. In this circle, through our intentional limits, we find an abundant freedom. This sounds very utopian and idealistic. We need to incarnate the encounters, the friendships, the real connections and nows.
Beautifully put, Roberto – thank you!
Wonderful idea. I came to Illich through many avenues but especially the writings of L.M. Sacasas e.g. https://theconvivialsociety.substack.com/
I wonder if Michael might host an event. I can try asking
I first encountered Illich when a friend shared the quote: "the corruption of the best is the worst." It wasn't original to Illich, but it was through his writing I explored this concept, which rings so true to me. I'm in Toronto and raise my hand to a convivial dinner with others who have found Illich to be profound in stirring ideas and concepts.
Thanks, Lynda, that's great! I can definitely think of a few folks in and around Toronto who I could point in your direction. Would you mind filling out this little form so that we can add you to the map?
https://tally.so/r/LZoqX2
I’ve connected with someone else on the map about an hour outside Toronto so will head there for the celebration day. This is such a cool idea!
Wonderful!
I've been delighted to hear from a couple of people already interested in joining our gathering in Durham, NC! I'm open to ideas or guidance about how we might also bring Illich into the space for people who aren't familiar yet with his work.
That's great to hear, Sara! In early August, I'm going to send around some notes and ideas for anyone who is hosting a gathering, inspired by your query. Meanwhile, I'm curious if anyone else reading this has thoughts!
Wonderful. I'll look forward to it.
I’m hoping to organise an Irish gathering in Galway that weekend. Get in touch if you are interested….
Thanks, Brid – I've put you on the map as a local contact for folks in your part of the world!
Thanks Dougald. You can give them my contact details burnt.thumb.events@gmail.com if they'd like to get in touch.
Yeah, that’s not the vibe we’re going for!
Just a suggestion for the Illich 100 event, A Candle In The Dark: an Ivan Illich 100th birthday celebration?
Or perhaps A Flame in the Dark, which was the title of one of the chapters in David Cayley's Ivan Illich: In Conversation, and slightly less redolent of Elton John! :-)
I'd be happy to host something convivial in Buenos Aires!
That’s wonderful! Could I ask you to fill out a little information here so we can list you as a local contact on the map?
https://tally.so/r/LZoqX2
Done. 🙂
Thanks, Katy! For some reason, your form entry doesn't seem to have come through. Apologies if it's something not working on our end. If you prefer, you can send me a DM on Substack with your email address and any information you'd like us to include.
Do you know if there is to be one in Bristol? I could host
Thanks, Sam! There's no one in Bristol signed up as a local contact yet, though I imagine there are folks who would be keen to get together. Shall I put you on the map?
Put a gathering in Bath on map but maybe join up?
Thanks, Hugh! I've put you on the map as a contact for Bath. My suggestion would be that we add both you and Sam, then check in again in August to see whether it makes sense to have two gatherings or combine.
Thanks Dougald, I’ll put myself on the contacts list and we can fine tune nearer the time. I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a fair bit of interest in Bristol!
Muy bien! Thank you, Dougald and Anna, for putting this together. Let's see if we can't find a way to organize an event or two here in Oaxaca!
Ah, that would be wonderful!
Hi Dougald, David Cayley died last week. I only just found out when listening to one of his podcast interviews. He was such an important part of the conversations and thinking that opened up from the thoughts and writings of Ivan Illich.
Yes, indeed. The news of David's death reached us a couple of nights ago and I have been intending to write a remembrance of him. His role in sharing and opening up Illich's work was so important, wasn't it? I had the chance to get to know him in the last few years and he was a delightful man. I understand that he died quite suddenly of a heart attack while sitting playing the guitar with friends. As a mutual friend wrote to me, "there are worse ways to go." Truly.
Being with friends, making conversations, making food, making music .. and sharing, are such important ways to be. It can take a while to learn.