The School of Life
Finding a Karma London
Walking along the London pavements, it is easy to get lost in all the attractions it has to offer. They’re fascinating, but one of those ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ moments. As a result, people become intrigued at the more ostentatious of attractions. A grey-coloured shop, marked with the words ‘GOOD IDEAS FOR EVERYDAY LIFE’ is easy to pass upon. However, this shop provides the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of London life.
The School of Life tries to improve our ‘emotional intelligence’. How often would you attend a class on ‘Mastering the Art of Kindness’, or a seminar on ‘How to Face Death’, or even a talk on the ‘Philosophy of Sexual Fantasies’? Events, lasting roughly two hours, range from everyday problems to the most extreme of metaphysical concepts. They are led by quality professionals in their respective fields, providing a fresh perspective on how the world is viewed; having a philosopher suggest pros and cons of relationships definitely seems surreal.
‘The School of Life’ is aptly named, they teach what you really want to know on a range of subjects: crushes, confidence, and drugs, to name a few. Beneath their London shop lies its lecture space, arranged to resemble a classroom to offer a fully integrative experience – it’s the full package. They the teachers, you the students; they share their experiences in life with you. Take a break from tourist attractions and offer yourself some introspection.
Founded in 2008, this organisation has branches in twelve locations, including London (its headquarters), Melbourne, and Paris. It holds classes, workshops, and special events from Monday to Friday. Its website allows people to view what’s coming up and book their slot –prices start from £45, and can reach up to £195 for special events (discounts can be given). Although two hours may seem like a chore, its duration is for a reason: these cannot be rushed. Come across as quickly regurgitating information, and the setting turns into a boring lecture. These events often pause for reflection, and offer interaction from its audience. Compare this to rushing across London to fit in all the popular sites, and this marks a huge contrast.
“There’s an odd silence in education when it comes to the truly big questions… there’s often no one to turn to. We wanted a place to help with this stuff.” – The School of Life, YouTube
Sandwiched between a hair salon and a mobile phone exchange, it’s not geographically proud, neither is it the most vibrant shop as well; its fully lit interior is a contrast to the outside. But it can be regarded as a symbol: take some time to visit this store, and you therefore take some time to reflect on yourself – a sense of calm emerges. You feel refreshed, giving a whole new meaning to the word ‘intelligence’.
The closest station is Russell Square, which is roughly a three-minute walk – simply walk forward once out of the station along Marchmont Street. The most frequent buses that pass by are number 10 and number 59.
