Community's intellectual journey: Ulsan reading group tackles dense philosophy

In Ulsan, South Korea, a city known more for its industrial might than its cultural offerings, a non-profit reading group named 'Telescope' is cultivating a vibrant intellectual community. For four years, its members have been meeting monthly to grapple with challenging philosophical texts, most recently dedicating themselves to a nearly 800-page tome on post-modern thought. The group's approach is far from passive; members prepare detailed presentations and engage in robust debates, dissecting complex ideas from philosophers like Frege, Russell, and Wittgenstein.

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Wittgenstein left the famous saying, 'One must remain silent about that which one cannot speak.' How can we explain areas that cannot be spoken of, such as ethics, art, and religious experiences?

The intensity of their discussions is evident. During a recent session focused on Wittgenstein, members offered diverse interpretations of his famous assertion, "One must remain silent about that which one cannot speak." Their dialogue spanned ethics, art, religion, and even Buddhist philosophy, showcasing a deep and multifaceted engagement with the material. This rigorous academic environment, described by one member as more demanding than their school days, is central to 'Telescope's' philosophy of learning.

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I interpreted Wittgenstein's words to mean 'respect,' not 'do not speak.'

Founded in 2013 by four friends seeking to broaden their intellectual horizons, 'Telescope' has grown significantly, now boasting 424 members on its online platform. The group's motto, 'The first step to a healthy society is the individual's philosophization,' underscores its belief in the power of critical thinking and shared knowledge to foster a more robust society. Members emphasize that tackling difficult books together yields an effect akin to reading ten books, as diverse perspectives enrich individual understanding.

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When you read a book alone, you read one book, but when you discuss it with ten members after reading, it's like reading ten books.

'Telescope' plays a vital role in Ulsan, a city identified in a 2024 report as having a significant lack of cultural facilities and low library accessibility compared to other metropolitan areas in South Korea. In this context, the reading group functions as an essential 'cultural forest,' providing a space for citizens to engage with complex ideas, expand their personal intellectual landscapes, and build meaningful connections. It demonstrates how dedicated communities can create their own cultural infrastructure, even in areas where formal resources are scarce.

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The telescope allows us to see the world outside the lens, while a kaleidoscope only shows the world inside the lens. We named it with the intention of seeing the world outside the lens through reading.