{"product_id":"the-perennial-path-from-chaos-to-self","title":"The Perennial Path: from Chaos to Self","description":"\u003cblockquote type=\"cite\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gmail_quote\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eThe Perennial Path: From Chaos to Self\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2nd \u0026amp; 4th Tuesdays | 5:00–7:00 PM | September–April (No December)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLife rarely unfolds in a straight line. For centuries, writers, philosophers, artists, and thinkers have explored the questions, contradictions, and mysteries that shape the human experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Perennial Path\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis a small reading and discussion studio for curious people who enjoy exploring ideas through literature, philosophy, and the arts. Rather than reading full books, we will gather around carefully selected essays, short stories, poems, and excerpts from influential writers and thinkers throughout history. The readings are intentionally brief, leaving plenty of room for what matters most: thoughtful and lively conversation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwice each month, we will gather around the table to share a light, family-style meal and discuss the ideas inspired by our readings. Together, we might explore questions of meaning, choice, creativity, uncertainty, change, and what those who came before us can teach us about navigating the complexities of being human.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is not a lecture, a class, or a traditional book club. It is a conversation among curious people who enjoy engaging with ideas and with one another. No particular academic background or expertise is needed—only an open mind, intellectual curiosity, and a willingness to explore questions that may not have easy answers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Perennial Path is led by\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003eLois\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eAscher and Jen Perry.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003eLois\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eAscher is a retired humanities professor whose academic career began with literature and evolved into Urban Culture Studies. While teaching literature, she avoided book groups; in retirement, however, her love of literature has returned through the pleasure of exploring it in the company of others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eJen Perry is a lifelong lover of books, meaningful conversation, and the founder of Illume Books.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs one wise friend observed:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e“We are the mystery we seek.”\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerhaps the purpose is not to solve the mystery once and for all, but to gather around a table, consider what others have discovered, listen to one another, and see what might be revealed along the way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e","brand":"Illume Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52549674107154,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0679\/3229\/1346\/files\/IMG_7534.heic?v=1785188712","url":"https:\/\/illumebooks.com\/products\/the-perennial-path-from-chaos-to-self","provider":"Illume Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}