JustJests

  -- Could I have the key to the washrooms please? -- We don't have one - there's no Locke. -- Oh ... right ... -- I don't  know which to use. What's the one on the right? Is there a User's Manual? -- No. And from a business trans-action point of view, I daren't advise you. Dunno anything about the one on the right. Mis-Labelling is Violence. Do I want to be arrested?  Ask yourself what would Epictetus do? What would Marcus Aurelius do? -- I don't know -- what? -- One of four things, I suppose -- as listed on the Menu Board. There's an APPetizer for that. -- Right ... I'd heard your specialty is Chicken Mumbo-Jumbo. Sounds about right.  What'll you two have, Prof? -- My turn to pay AGAIN? When's the reciprocal part?  What dish would  you  recommend today, Hermen?  -- For you two, the Roast ParaDucks.  Why so glum this time, Student? -- My thesis has been rejected, Hermen! Dismissed as mere fairy tale. -- Sucks, man. Says who? -- My brothers G...

  COMEDY NIGHT AT PHILOSOPHY CAFE Knock knock Who's there? Just  Just who? Just Jests Hey Hermen, what's this in aid of? Comedy Night on Saturday? That's tonight! Will it be noisy? I come here for contemplative peace and quiet. Well you're supposed to be a Stoic, Philosopher, so just put up with it. I thought you were a latter-day Epictetus.  But WHY host a Black Humour Night?  Because Black Laughs Matter. All matters matter, to a philosopher   (unless  you're a Skeptic).  Are Black Laughs loud laughs?  Hope so. It's a fundraiser. Raising funds for what? Food Bank. Why? Is it one of those weird international ones? Bank's vault is empty? It's a bank  for  food, Idiot. You really do keep your head in the clouds if you don't know what the Food Bank is. It's public-spirited. You know, like ... helping the poor. Oh. Then why not raise funds for the Wine Bank? That would be really public-spirited. Anyway, "Just Jests" is the comedy group we...

  CHAPTER ONE Epictetus was a street corner Stoic  philosopher in 1st century Rome. He recommended finding contentment in adjusting to what you can't change, rather than flinging yourself hopelessly against brick walls.  Epictetus spoke from a porch (stoa), but today he might be a café or pub philosopher. There, customers might feel generous and hire one -- probably because they'd want to enjoy a debate, for everyone's a pub psychiatrist)?  The cafe's the new "agora" -- with many Socrates asking questions   -- and not only "where's the washroom?", "do you have WIFI?" and "what's today's special?" Those of the Stoic persuasion know that the best way to endure what can't be changed is with humour.  * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Knock knock Who's there? Agora Agora who? Agora tell you some philosophy -- Hi, I'm your waiter today, my name is Hermen. -- Herman who? -- Hermen Eutics. -- Ah, hermeneutics...