Collective

Inspired by Benjamin Franklin's Junto group, also called the Leather Apron Club, which was a mutual improvement group. Benjamin Franklin founded it in Philadelphia in 1727 when he was 21 years old. The group had about 12 diverse tradesmen and artisans (printer, surveyors, cabinet makers, a bartender and clerk) who met on Friday nights to debate morals, politics, and philosophy, leading to civic projects like the first public library. 

Core Mission

To cultivate a community where members who bring different experiences to engage in, rigorous discussions of any worthwhile media — be it books, articles, podcasts, films, research papers, art, or emerging digital content — to contribute to the collective advancement of the operations of SUPER. The group prioritizes a dialogue that stays grounded in tangible and attainable ideas. The goal then, is to deploy the ideas into a physical existence which best suites the capabilities of the group.

Philosophy

  • Meritocracy of Ideas: All contributions are judged on substance, evidence, and insight, not on the status or background of the contributor. This ensures a level playing field where the best ideas rise through constructive critique and consensus.

  • Intellectual Pluralism: Embrace a wide array of media and viewpoints to challenge assumptions, spark creativity, and build resilience against echo chambers. Discussions should traverse disciplines, from science and philosophy to culture and technology, reflecting the multifaceted nature of modern knowledge.

  • Mutual Elevation: Like Franklin's ethos, the group exists for reciprocal improvement — members commit to active listening, respectful disagreement, and actionable takeaways that enhance individual lives and broader society.

  • Adaptability: Evolve with emerging media and technologies, while maintaining accessibility through hybrid (in-person and virtual) formats. Encourage participation to enrich dialogues, but uphold standards of intellectual rigor to sustain quality.

  • Ethical Inquiry: Ground discussions in curiosity and ethics, promoting not just knowledge acquisition but its responsible application, echoing Franklin's blend of pragmatism and moral reflection.

"When a measure becomes a target, it ceases to be a good measure"

a creative guild: a meritocratic society devoted to shared learning across disciplines and mediums.


(Alternative names if you want different tones)

  • The Concordium – evokes unity through reason and dialogue.

  • The Gradient Society – symbolizes continuous learning and intellectual evolution.

  • Agora 2.0 – direct homage to the classical marketplace of ideas.

  • The Junto Reimagined – a respectful nod to Franklin while signaling modern expansiveness.

Core Mission

To cultivate a meritocratic fellowship of thinkers, makers, and learners dedicated to exchanging ideas, media, and methods that advance clarity of thought, excellence in craft, and depth of understanding across disciplines.

The Conclave exists to challenge assumptions, share discoveries, and refine insight through open yet disciplined dialogue.


Guiding Philosophy

  • Merit over Prestige: Ideas are judged by their strength, coherence, and practical or philosophical merit—not by the status of the presenter.

  • Curiosity as Virtue: Every medium—book, film, podcast, paper, or personal experiment—can hold wisdom. Exploration across disciplines is essential.

  • Discourse as Refinement: Vigorous but respectful discussion transforms solitary knowledge into collective intelligence.

  • Synthesis before Specialization: Members strive to connect ideas across art, science, design, politics, and philosophy, seeking patterns and principles that unify.

  • Contribution before Consumption: Each member brings something—an idea, a piece of media, or a work of their own—to every gathering.


Example Format

Each session could follow Franklin’s format but modernized:

  1. A brief “provocation” shared by a member—a short video, article, artwork, or experimental result.

  2. Guided discussion connecting the topic to broader ethical, aesthetic, or technical principles.

  3. Closing reflections and potential real-world applications or next steps—whether personal, professional, or societal.