{"id":91682,"date":"2026-02-25T12:33:13","date_gmt":"2026-02-25T11:33:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/paricenter.com\/?page_id=91682"},"modified":"2026-06-02T12:24:41","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T10:24:41","slug":"the-armchair-guides","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/paricenter.com\/the-armchair-guides\/","title":{"rendered":"The Armchair Guides"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgb(220,104,46) 14%,rgb(174,30,56) 81%);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"341\" src=\"https:\/\/paricenter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/courses-page-banner-1024x341.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-91698\" srcset=\"https:\/\/paricenter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/courses-page-banner-1024x341.webp 1024w, https:\/\/paricenter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/courses-page-banner-300x100.webp 300w, https:\/\/paricenter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/courses-page-banner-768x256.webp 768w, https:\/\/paricenter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/courses-page-banner-600x200.webp 600w, https:\/\/paricenter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/courses-page-banner.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-fe86256d wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><h2 style=\"margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\" class=\"wp-block-post-title\">The Armchair Guides<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-800df3e3 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>Armchair Guide<\/strong> courses are designed as a thoughtful introduction into some of the most fascinating fields of human knowledge and creativity. Together, we will explore literature, the visual arts, performing arts, music, philosophy, science, psychology, cinema, the world\u2019s sacred traditions, indigenous knowledge systems, politics, and more.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each course features engaging talks led by knowledgeable and dynamic presenters who are passionate about making complex ideas accessible and enjoyable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lectures are followed by an open Q&amp;A in a relaxed and informal discussion space where participants can gather to reflect on the week\u2019s ideas together. This is an opportunity to exchange perspectives, deepen understanding, and enjoy thoughtful dialogue with fellow learners\u2014and with the course presenter as well. These conversations often become the heart of the experience, where insights emerge naturally through shared reflection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2025 we introduced the first online Armchair Guide: <a href=\"https:\/\/paricenter.com\/the-armchair-guides\/an-armchair-guide-to-quantum-mechanics\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"91716\"><strong><em>An<\/em><\/strong> <strong><em>Armchair Guide to Quantum Mechanics<\/em><\/strong><\/a>, in which presenter Jonathan Allday gave his uniquely semi-serious approach to one of the most important fundamental theories.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In April 2026, Mark Vernon, psychotherapist and writer, presented his <em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/paricenter.com\/the-armchair-guides\/an-armchair-guide-to-jung-and-god\/\">Armchair Guide to Jung and God<\/a><\/strong><\/em> by examining what Carl Jung really thought about God, religion, and the inner life? This includes six pre-recorded lectures that you can view from your armchair at your leisure and three live Q&amp;A and discussion sessions.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Who are these courses for?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our learning community is wonderfully diverse, brought together by curiosity rather than background or prior experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Retirees<\/strong>&nbsp;looking to explore new interests, revisit old passions, or stay engaged with contemporary thinking and developments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>High school students<\/strong>&nbsp;eager to broaden their horizons beyond the classroom<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Those who had a difficult or uninspiring experience at school<\/strong>&nbsp;and would welcome a fresh, more supportive entry point into learning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lifelong learners<\/strong>&nbsp;who simply find joy in discovering new ideas and perspectives<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No prior expertise is required \u2014 just openness, interest, and a willingness to think, question, and explore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Learning here is intended to be both intellectually stimulating and deeply enjoyable. Pour a glass of wine or a cup of tea, settle into your favourite armchair, and join us for an experience that is thoughtful, enriching, and deeply human\u2014guided by experts who are not only knowledgeable, but engaging, approachable, and passionate about sharing what they know.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-3c019351 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-3c019351 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">No new upcoming courses<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-3c019351 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Past courses<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-2c326e46 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/paricenter.com\/the-armchair-guides\/an-armchair-guide-to-quantum-mechanics\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"595\" height=\"842\" src=\"https:\/\/paricenter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AG-poster-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-89273\" srcset=\"https:\/\/paricenter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AG-poster-1.jpg 595w, https:\/\/paricenter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AG-poster-1-212x300.jpg 212w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 595px) 100vw, 595px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/paricenter.com\/the-armchair-guides\/an-armchair-guide-to-quantum-mechanics\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"91716\">An Armchair Guide to Quantum Mechanics<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-2c326e46 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/paricenter.com\/the-armchair-guides\/an-armchair-guide-to-jung-and-god\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"636\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/paricenter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AG-poster-Jung-and-God.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-91700\" srcset=\"https:\/\/paricenter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AG-poster-Jung-and-God.webp 636w, https:\/\/paricenter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AG-poster-Jung-and-God-212x300.webp 212w, https:\/\/paricenter.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AG-poster-Jung-and-God-600x849.webp 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 636px) 100vw, 636px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/paricenter.com\/the-armchair-guides\/an-armchair-guide-to-jung-and-god\/\">An Armchair Guide to Jung and God<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Armchair Guide courses are designed as a thoughtful introduction into some of the most fascinating fields of human knowledge and creativity. Together, we will explore literature, the visual arts, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6725,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"wp-custom-template-pages-with-full-width-banner","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_tec_requires_first_save":true,"_price":"","_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_header":"","_tribe_default_ticket_provider":"","_tribe_ticket_capacity":"0","_ticket_start_date":"","_ticket_end_date":"","_tribe_ticket_show_description":"","_tribe_ticket_show_not_going":false,"_tribe_ticket_use_global_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_global_stock_level":"","_global_stock_mode":"","_global_stock_cap":"","_tribe_rsvp_for_event":"","_tribe_ticket_going_count":"","_tribe_ticket_not_going_count":"","_tribe_tickets_list":"[]","_tribe_ticket_has_attendee_info_fields":false,"_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":[],"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":false,"_VenueShowMapLink":false,"_tribe_blocks_recurrence_rules":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_description":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_exclusions":"","footnotes":""},"papers":[],"class_list":["post-91682","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/paricenter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/91682","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/paricenter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/paricenter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paricenter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6725"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paricenter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=91682"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/paricenter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/91682\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":127079,"href":"https:\/\/paricenter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/91682\/revisions\/127079"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/paricenter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=91682"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"papers","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paricenter.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/papers?post=91682"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}