I do love all the history brought in to prove how vital women coming together in thought and deep intellecutual debate and conversation is. However, the women who ran those rooms were all in the upper elite class. Curious how we can take this concept and rebuild them today without rebuilding their hierarchies? Becuase feminism is needed across sectors, ages, races and genders. Is there action plan to take what comes out of these salons and include more of a cross section of our world?
Absolutely agree, Holli! And have acknowledged this problem in quite a few posts. The salons we're starting here are intended to be fully inclusive, but only for those who identify as women. I think we need to keep the space safe for the kinds of topics and themes I hope to explore. I am consulting with others about how to build the environment that will encourage this
Not sure I can write something by the deadline, but I've saved all the information for the next call, if I am not ready by Oct. 15 to submit.
LOVED this bit, especially:
"The female host controlled the room, steered discourse, and decided what mattered. There was no mansplaining derailing the conversation, or sucking the air from the room."
Terrific post. I agree that the salons - buzzing, fizzing, debate, discussion, argument and wit - are needed more than ever.
I am writing a novel about Denis Diderot, Mme Geoffrin, Mme de Tencin and the vibrancy of the salons fuelling reason over dogma and driving the Age of Enlightenment.
Lisa-Marie, it's like you're channeling all the work I've been engaged in for the past 15+ years with my YA Edge of Yesterday time travel adventure series and "learning through story" platform to promote MASTERY! Check out my Renaissance-girl wannabe series protagonist and modern-day STEMinista Charley, whose goal after building Leonardo da Vinci's plans for a time machine and accidentally triggering it to go back in time to the 15th, 18th and now 20th century, as she interviews her "heroes of history", including Isabella d'Este, and the aforementioned Emilie du Chatelet (a rival of Mme. du Deffand, et al.--also the sole female contributor to the Encyclopedie) irl back then.
Would love to chat in person--I am so primed for this deep dive into modern-day MASTERY as a New Humanist, a deterrent to the encroachemnt of the soul-stealing Age of AI.
I do love all the history brought in to prove how vital women coming together in thought and deep intellecutual debate and conversation is. However, the women who ran those rooms were all in the upper elite class. Curious how we can take this concept and rebuild them today without rebuilding their hierarchies? Becuase feminism is needed across sectors, ages, races and genders. Is there action plan to take what comes out of these salons and include more of a cross section of our world?
Absolutely agree, Holli! And have acknowledged this problem in quite a few posts. The salons we're starting here are intended to be fully inclusive, but only for those who identify as women. I think we need to keep the space safe for the kinds of topics and themes I hope to explore. I am consulting with others about how to build the environment that will encourage this
Loved this entire essay/invitation.
Wish I'd received it sooner.
Not sure I can write something by the deadline, but I've saved all the information for the next call, if I am not ready by Oct. 15 to submit.
LOVED this bit, especially:
"The female host controlled the room, steered discourse, and decided what mattered. There was no mansplaining derailing the conversation, or sucking the air from the room."
I think the November theme is fun too if you don't make it for October. I'm looking forward to reading what you submit!
I love this idea - am an elder and have wished for and wondered what happened to salons for years.
Come join us and bring your wisdom, Barbara!
Terrific post. I agree that the salons - buzzing, fizzing, debate, discussion, argument and wit - are needed more than ever.
I am writing a novel about Denis Diderot, Mme Geoffrin, Mme de Tencin and the vibrancy of the salons fuelling reason over dogma and driving the Age of Enlightenment.
I hope your new salons take off in 2025-26.
Good luck!
Thanks for being an ally, Paul!!
Lisa-Marie, it's like you're channeling all the work I've been engaged in for the past 15+ years with my YA Edge of Yesterday time travel adventure series and "learning through story" platform to promote MASTERY! Check out my Renaissance-girl wannabe series protagonist and modern-day STEMinista Charley, whose goal after building Leonardo da Vinci's plans for a time machine and accidentally triggering it to go back in time to the 15th, 18th and now 20th century, as she interviews her "heroes of history", including Isabella d'Este, and the aforementioned Emilie du Chatelet (a rival of Mme. du Deffand, et al.--also the sole female contributor to the Encyclopedie) irl back then.
Would love to chat in person--I am so primed for this deep dive into modern-day MASTERY as a New Humanist, a deterrent to the encroachemnt of the soul-stealing Age of AI.
https://edgeofyesterday.com/time-travelers/discover/heroes/isabella-deste
https://edgeofyesterday.com/time-travelers/discover/heroes/emilie-du-chatelet
Your work sounds fun, Robin. I'm swamped with salon submissions just now, but will try and check out your work soon.
Hear, hear! And here!
Thanks for putting this together Lisa-Marie! I am so excited to be a part of it.
Love it!! I plan to submit soon if I don't make this deadline! 👏👏🔥