HOUSE OF CULTURE AND LEISURE
Popular Science

Popular Science: Where Ideas Meet Reality

Programme: 10 Works · 4 Thematic Pillars

A bridge connecting fundamental science, the evolution of ideas, and everyday curiosity. We read and discuss groundbreaking scientific books that expand our understanding of ourselves and our world — from neuroscience to cosmology.

Thematic Series of Gatherings

Reading Programme by Modules

Each book represents a dedicated meeting exploring a distinct perspective on science, human nature, and our cosmic origins.

Block I Architecture of Perception and Memory
2 Gatherings
01 · GATHERING
‘Our Brains, Our Selves’
AUTHOR: Masud Husain

A neuroscientist’s exploration of clinical cases examining how neurological disorders unveil the foundational mechanics of the human self.

02 · GATHERING
‘The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat’
AUTHOR: Oliver Sacks

Classic clinical tales recounting patients struggling to survive in the bizarre territories of neurological impairments.

Block II Cosmology, Physics, and the Universe
3 Gatherings
03 · GATHERING
‘A Brief History of Time’
AUTHOR: Stephen Hawking

From the Big Bang to black holes, exploring space-time curvature, cosmic frontiers, and humanity’s quest for a grand unified theory.

04 · GATHERING
‘The Order of Time’ (‘L’ordine del tempo’)
AUTHOR: Carlo Rovelli

A poetic yet rigorous deconstruction of time in modern quantum gravity, dismantling the illusion of a universal ‘now’.

05 · GATHERING
‘Seven Brief Lessons on Physics’
AUTHOR: Carlo Rovelli

A jewel-like introduction to relativity, quantum mechanics, elementary particles, and thermodynamic mysteries.

Block III Origins, Society, and Deep History
2 Gatherings
06 · GATHERING
‘Guns, Germs, and Steel’
AUTHOR: Jared Diamond

A Pulitzer-winning analysis of environmental and geographical factors that shaped the destinies of continents and civilisations.

07 · GATHERING
‘Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind’
AUTHOR: Yuval Noah Harari

How an insignificant ape became the master of planet Earth through the power of collective cognitive fictions.

Block IV Thinking, Consciousness, and Artificial Intelligence
3 Gatherings
08 · GATHERING
‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’
AUTHOR: Daniel Kahneman

System 1 and System 2: uncovering the cognitive biases, heuristics, and traps that dictate human decision-making.

09 · GATHERING
‘The Creativity Code: Art and Innovation in the Age of AI’
AUTHOR: Marcus du Sautoy

Exploring algorithms, machine learning, and whether artificial intelligence can truly compose, paint, and create.

10 · GATHERING
‘Being You: A New Science of Consciousness’
AUTHOR: Anil Seth

Consciousness as a controlled hallucination: biological mechanics, predictive processing, and the mystery of subjective experience.

Track Principles

Gathering Agreements

We meet not to pass academic exams, but for joint inquiry and rigorous intellectual curiosity.

01

Open intellectual dialogue. We challenge ideas with scientific rigour while respecting every participant’s curiosity.

02

Grounding in evidence. We anchor our discussions in the author's research and arguments rather than unsubstantiated speculation.

03

Sober minds. At track gatherings, drinks stronger than tea are fundamentally discouraged.

Join the Science Circle

Ready to explore ideas with us?

Complete a brief questionnaire about your scientific interests. We will be in touch with reading materials and location details for upcoming gatherings.

  • ✦ Intimate format: roughly 10 participants around the table
  • ✦ Attentive and thoughtful moderation
Complete Member Questionnaire →