Our goal at Philosophy and Coffee is to spread the insights of philosophy and psychology to a wider audience and share different perspectives on life, work and relationships, so it doesn’t take you a lifetime to learn how to live a better, more fulfilling and happier life.
Vision
In 1975, when Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft they had a very clear mission. A computer on every desk and in every home. It was a bold and daring goal and people thought that they were out of their mind. Most people were still shopping for typewriters after all!
And look at where we are now.
The world moves forward on these bold ideas and on people who believe in them. Humankind has been truly blessed with inspiring and imaginative people who propell progress. But unfortunately, there are a lot of things we are really messing up. Society as we know it today has come to a dangerous crossroads, with warning sounds all around us. Even though we are more technologically connected than ever before, bound in a web of instant communication, the paradox is that genuine and meaningful connections have become scarce treasures. This scarcity is not confined to our personal relationships but extends to our bond with society at large. Everywhere we look, people are arguing about everything—politics, climate, you name it. It’s like we’ve forgotten how to listen and learn from each other.
There is still a lot of work to do if we want to leave our children and grand-children a world where they still have the same freedom to explore and build as we have. So let’s start building that society today! How? The answer may sound simple but it is powerful. By telling stories. The world is made up of stories, some are beautiful or horrible, fake or true, inspiring or dull but they’re all stories. Even how we see ourselves or other people, are stories we create about ourselves or about them.
People change the world for a story they believe in. And if the world is made up of stories, we can change the world by telling stories which hopefully change limiting beliefs that people unconsciously make up for themselves, beliefs about ‘how things are’ instead of beliefs about ‘how things could be’. So, let’s tell and listen to meaningful and connecting stories. Let’s tell them like we’re sitting around the kitchen table drinking coffee. Stories about philosophy and psychology for example, about choices that can be made and how to make them. But feet on the ground, we’re drinking coffee after all. Coffee from freshly grounded beans. Grounds for inspiration.
Mission
We want to make people the best version of themselves, to find their passions, values and strengths, so they can show up in every relationship as their true selves. We want to support these people to grow, connect and contribute to society to the benefit of all. Concretely, we want to spread the stories and concrete insights already told by countless philosophers and current day thinkers mixed with the knowledge of psychological science: that there is a broader perspective on life that humankind has somehow lost touch with along the way. We want people to take a step back and evaluate what they believe in and what their values are from that perspective. To do that, we aim to
- use this site and our Instagram account to share ideas and inspire, through blog posts, sharing information and discussions
- organise lectures and seminars to share these ideas,
- connect individuals and groups who are like minded,
- promote real self-care, physical exercise, healthy eating habits, meditation and mindfulness,
- create partnerships with schools, universities and other organisations to embed these ideas in society,
- coach people individually but also organisations to find their strive,
- fund and support research.
Who I am
My name is Geert Van Dingenen, and I wear many hats in this journey called life.
Primarily, I am a mathematician, economist and an actuary, professions that have honed my analytical and scientific skills and fostered a deep appreciation for understanding patterns and probabilities. Yet, beyond numbers and calculations, my true passion lies in exploring the intricacies of human nature, which is why I also studied psychology.
Driven by an insatiable curiosity, I delve into the realms of psychology, seeking to unravel the mysteries of human behavior—what motivates us, what holds us back, and how we can collectively strive for personal growth and fulfillment. My journey has led me to embrace diverse philosophies, from the ancient wisdom of Buddhism to the timeless stoicism of the Greco-Roman era.
While I may not identify as a Buddhist, I find profound value in its teachings as a pragmatic toolkit for navigating life’s challenges. Similarly, the principles of Stoicism resonate deeply with me, offering timeless guidance on resilience, virtue, and inner peace.
As a father, I am driven by a profound sense of responsibility to shape a brighter future for the next generation. I am a dreamer at heart, believing in the boundless potential of humanity to create positive change. Some may call me naive for holding onto such ideals, but I wear that label proudly, for it is fueled by an unwavering optimism in our capacity to make this world a better place.
Through this platform, I aspire to share insights, stories, and perspectives that inspire and empower others on their own journeys of self-discovery and growth. Together, let us embark on a quest to uncover the beauty of the human experience and strive to become the best versions of ourselves.
Join me as we navigate the complexities of life, armed with wisdom from the past and hope for the future. Together, we can make a difference, one small step at a time.
Philosophy and Coffee is proudly brought to you by Helianthos, the company through which I provide actuarial and management support.
Services
We offer coaching for individuals or teams and electrifying public speaking engagements for companies, schools, or any group hungry to learn more. Contact us for more info and tailored solutions to any question that you might have.