At the end of our courses, we invite all students to comment on two questions:

What were you looking for when you first attended this course?

What have you found so far?

Their answers provide a great insight into the positive value of practical philosophy in day-to-day life:

"I have to say that, in all my years of questing, the school of philosophy was the catalyst that propelled me into my current experience of completion, tranquillity, appreciation, acceptance. While I left the school five years ago, its impact has transformed my life."

"I wanted to learn about alternative views regarding spirituality, other than the Western Christian religions I had grown up around. I also wanted to better understand the purpose of my life and gain a greater sense of meaning and peace. There has certainly been the opportunity to learn about other ways of viewing and experiencing spirituality. [I] have learned that although religions may claim to be the ‘right’ or ‘best’ way, all religions have the same basic principals and messages, just expressed in different ways. I have learned tools for accessing greater meaning and stillness and an avenue for growing this through my life."

"I wasn’t sure what to expect when my wife dragged me along to philosophy for the first time. I imagined that it would be very theoretical and full of “ideas” to fill an already busy mind. Pleasantly I was surprised to discover that it was the opposite – being practical and about clearing the mind of unnecessary clutter. Five years on and I still look forward to every class!"

"Wisdom, good company, a framework for life that pretty much works for me."

"What I was looking for was an interesting course to keep my mind active and to have some diversion from the usual work related round-about. Friends had told us some time before that they had attended one term and that they had really enjoyed it. I was enthusiastic after the first night and suggested to [my wife] that she take the other evening. We haven’t looked back since and simply live and enjoy the good life"

"When I first came to philosophy my motive was to engage in some interesting discussions on subjects a bit larger than those that occupy the usual social conversations! It certainly offered that, but much much more too. Right from the start an emphasis was put on directly experiencing something simple but profound. You could call this ‘presence’ presence of mind, presence of being. I would say that through the philosophy groups, the material we study and from practices like meditation my life has been transformed. I have developed patience, faith, freedom from mental distress of all kinds. An inner peace that has enabled me to face what ever life throws up with a kind of steadiness. One that I once would not have thought possible."

"A greater understanding of the mind motivated us to try the course, and what I’ve found so far is sound wisdom and reason to deal with life’s complexities and generally being a calmer happier person."

"I cannot say exactly what I was looking for when I first attended the introductory course in 2002. Over ten years later however, I can say that my attendance at the SOP has been life changing in the most positive way imaginable. The practical knowledge I have gained through attending my weekly group, practising what we learn when I am away from the group, and meditating daily, has transformed the way I interact with all people and in all circumstances. I am calmer, happier, and more excited about life because I understand more about what is truly important in this life."

"I had always been looking for “something” but wasn’t quite sure what. The School’s approach seemed to balance my need for both reason and faith."