We all have beliefs that guide our understanding of ourselves and the world around us, but that likewise can limit that understanding. The Zen teacher Shunryu Suzuki's saying, “In the Beginner’s Mind there are many possibilities, in the expert’s mind there are few," advocates for an approach to life that is open to endless possibilities, free from preconceived notions or biases. How can we examine our deeply held beliefs with the openness of a Beginner's Mind, enabling us to assess our beliefs without attachment, despite how long or how deeply we may have had these beliefs?

Join James Valentini, Dean Emeritus of Columbia College and Professor of Chemistry, for a small-group discussion on self-awareness, intellectual humility, and Beginner’s Mind.

This dinner seminar is co-sponsored by Columbia University Religious Life will be held at the Schiff Room in Earl Hall. It is the second in a three-part series with Deantini.