Philosophy Plus: Make Your Life Beautiful, According to Lorenz Homolka!
Let me take you on a philosophical journey—sans the beret and pipe, but with all the mind-bending questions you’ve been avoiding since your last debate about whether pineapple belongs on pizza. Enter Lorenz Homolka, the 38-year-old Linz resident who’s giving philosophy a facelift in the so-called “Salon for Beautiful Thinking.” Seriously, it’s not just about thinking deep thoughts while sipping overpriced coffee; it’s about fully immersing yourself in the world of ideas and experiences!
Philosophy as Your Personal Life Stylist
Homolka believes philosophy can yank us out of our day-to-day existential inertia and thrust us into a life brimming with meaning—like a good coffee can dissolve your Monday morning blues. With a background in psychology and a detour through the art scene as the operator of the Sturm & Drang Gallery (from 2014 to 2020, not that we’re keeping track), he’s now rebuilding lives through philosophical practice. His mission? To transform your mundane existence into an extraordinary one; a literary epic instead of a boring autobiography!
The Salon Experience: Feelings, Philosophy, and Maybe Some Snacks
In the “Salon for Beautiful Thinking,” you’ll cozy up with a maximum of twelve fellow explorers and dive into philosophical conversations where theory meets practice and, possibly, a charcuterie board. Forget the myths that philosophy is only for tweed-wearing, pipe-smoking old men in stuffy rooms; Homolka emphasizes that “life is not a problem that needs to be solved.” His approach is “philosophical dramaturgy,” a fancy term that roughly means a staged experience without the need for an audition. You learn about love not just from dusty old texts but also from the melting notes of a Schubert piano sonata.
Evenings to Remember: A Philosophical Soirée!
Imagine this: you gather with friends or colleagues; maybe the wine flows a little too freely as you explore universal truths among bites of artisanal cheese. “Every evening is an experience,” promises Homolka, who tailors the conversations to fit different vibes—who knew philosophy could be this flexible? It’s what happens when you get philosophical SNL meets dinner party—all hosted in his charming Linz salon!
Taking Philosophy to the Classroom
Homolka’s ambitions don’t stop at adults who can spell “philosophy” but not necessarily their feelings. He’s looking towards schools—yes, he wants children to embrace the beautiful art of thinking at an early age. Why wait until you’re an angst-ridden adult to start questioning your existence?
No Philosophy Degree Required!
If your only philosophical achievement is binge-watching The Good Place, don’t fret! No previous knowledge is required to join the “Salon for Beautiful Thinking.” If you wish to unlock more depth and meaning in your life (or just want to sound a bit smart at parties), Homolka’s approach caters to you. Just sign up for the newsletter on zeitundgeist.at and get ready to enhance your mind before someone invites you to their next book club.
Conclusion: The Mundane to the Mysterious!
So, folks, it seems that Lorenz Homolka is onto something. Philosophy isn’t just for the elite or for those who resemble Gandalf in robes; it’s for anyone willing to peek beyond the surface of daily life and engage with the profound. After all, as we often forget amidst our busy lives, a bit of beautiful thinking could just be the recipe for not only a more meaningful existence but also a wonderfully entertaining salon evening. So why not give your brain a workout, and maybe, just maybe, leave the feeling of inertia behind?
With his philosophical practice, Lorenz Homolka aims to profoundly transform lives by guiding individuals through various paths of personal growth. For instance, in the “Salon for Beautiful Thinking,” participants immerse themselves in a variety of philosophical discussions, exploring topics that engage “all your senses.” MyDistrict spoke to the 38-year-old from Linz about how philosophy can enhance the beauty of life.
LINZ. “Philosophy can help us break out of our inertia and make our lives more vibrant,” Lorenz Homolka insists passionately. After pursuing a degree in psychology, he transitioned into the art sector, running the Sturm & Drang Gallery in Linz’s historic center from 2014 to 2020. Today, he is a co-curator for the acclaimed FMR Festival in Linz. Since the onset of the Corona pandemic, the 38-year-old has dedicated himself to the study of philosophy, completing a course to become an academic philosophical practitioner under the esteemed Konrad Paul Lissmann. “Philosophy serves as a meaningful pathway to imbue life with significance, empowering us to consciously shape our existence,” Homolka explains. As a philosophical practitioner, he strives to support individuals in various capacities—through personal conversations as well as group settings.
Life is not a problem that needs to be solved
However, Homolka distinguishes himself from traditional coaching models: “Life is not a problem that needs a solution; it’s a reality that begs to be richly experienced. It is far more intricate than the superficial narrative portrayed in mainstream discourse.” He asserts that philosophy offers a valuable framework for this deeper engagement. In his “Salon for Beautiful Thinking,” Homolka welcomes intimate groups of up to twelve participants, inviting them to engage their senses wholly with a particular philosophical theme. The sessions involve both theoretical discussions and a tactile exploration of relevant works from visual art, literature, and music. “We can glean just as much insight about love from a poem as we can from psychology,” Homolka notes, elaborating on his holistic approach.
“Every evening is an experience”
“These group evenings primarily occur in my salon located in Linz’s vibrant old town, but I also conduct sessions for groups of friends or corporate teams,” Homolka reports. Each evening’s content and structure are meticulously customized to fit the specific needs of the participants. “It’s about fostering connection and creating an experiential journey – not producing a rigid outcome,” Homolka emphasizes. He developed the concept of “philosophical dramaturgy” during his thesis work with the renowned Austrian philosopher Konrad Paul Liessmann. “This collaboration resulted in rich conversations, as he is a leading authority in aesthetics and resonates with my passion for this initiative,” reflects Homolka. Through his gatherings, he aspires to achieve the “aesthetic state” articulated by Friedrich Schiller in his letters on the aesthetic education of humanity. “This state embodies a pristine harmony where individuals attain a liberated, creative essence through the convergence of sensuality and rational thought,” the philosopher expounds.
“Philosophical dramaturgy” in schools
In December, Homolka will introduce his “Philosophical Dramaturgy” at the upcoming International Society for Philosophical Practice (IGPP) conference in Vienna. “I eagerly await the feedback from my peers,” Homolka shares. Additionally, in collaboration with his colleague Max Koller, he seeks to incorporate this approach into educational settings—advocating that “Beautiful Thinking” should be instilled from an early age.
No previous philosophical knowledge necessary
No prior philosophical knowledge is required to participate in the “Salon for Beautiful Thinking.” “My practice is designed for individuals eager to uncover deeper meaning and richness in their lives or those who simply wish to explore their own intellectual potential,” Homolka asserts. For those interested, a newsletter detailing upcoming dates and events is available at: zeitundgeist.at
**Interview with Lorenz Homolka: Making Life Beautiful Through Philosophy**
*Interviewer:* Lorenz, thank you for joining us today. Your “Salon for Beautiful Thinking” sounds captivating! What inspired you to create this unique approach to philosophy?
*Lorenz Homolka:* Thank you for having me! The inspiration came from my belief that philosophy should be accessible to everyone, not just scholars. During the pandemic, I realized how many people were feeling stagnant and disconnected. I wanted to create a space where we could engage deeply with life’s questions and share experiences in a relaxed, enjoyable setting.
*Interviewer:* You’ve mentioned that “life is not a problem that needs a solution.” Can you elaborate on what that means in the context of your salon discussions?
*Lorenz Homolka:* Absolutely! Many people view life’s challenges as obstacles to overcome, but I believe they are opportunities to explore and engage with our experiences more fully. Philosophy provides a framework for understanding and appreciating the nuances of life. In my salon, we focus on creating rich, sensory experiences around themes like love or beauty, allowing discussions to flow naturally.
*Interviewer:* That sounds enlightening! What can participants expect during an evening at the salon?
*Lorenz Homolka:* Participants can expect an intimate gathering, usually with no more than twelve people, where we dive into philosophical themes while enjoying artistic works, literature, or music. Each evening is tailored to the group’s interests, often accompanied by snacks or drinks, creating a warm atmosphere for connection and exploration.
*Interviewer:* You also have ambitions to introduce philosophy to children. How do you envision that happening?
*Lorenz Homolka:* Yes, I’m passionate about engaging younger audiences! I believe that teaching kids to think philosophically can empower them to navigate life’s complexities from an early age. I’m looking into workshops and school programs that encourage curious discussions and exploration of ideas, helping them find their voices and understand their feelings.
*Interviewer:* It seems your approach opens up philosophy to everyone, regardless of their background. What do you say to those who feel intimidated by the subject?
*Lorenz Homolka:* I say, don’t be intimidated! Philosophy isn’t just for the elite or academic circles. My salon welcomes anyone interested in exploring ideas, and no prior knowledge is required. We learn together in a fun, engaging environment. It’s about sparking curiosity and enriching our lives, not passing tests.
*Interviewer:* Lastly, what’s your vision for the future of your philosophy practice?
*Lorenz Homolka:* My vision is to continue expanding the salon experience while integrating more community-based philosophy programs. I hope to foster a culture where people feel comfortable discussing big ideas, enriching their lives, and making philosophy a part of their everyday experiences. Ultimately, I want to help others find beauty and meaning in their lives.
*Interviewer:* Thank you, Lorenz! It’s clear that your work is transforming how people experience philosophy. We look forward to seeing how your “Salon for Beautiful Thinking” continues to evolve.
*Lorenz Homolka:* Thank you! I’m excited for the journey ahead.
