On June 21, 2022, the International Culture Federation (ICF) hosted its 11th salon event at the M2 Gallery in Improve Canada. The evening’s theme, “Exploring How to Cultivate Clear Thinking,” was led by Ms. Maggie Yu, with CYCA and ACPN as co-organizers.
Ms. Yu began the lecture with an intriguing observation: many philosophers are not only known for their intellectual clarity but also for their longevity. She referenced data from Peking University’s Department of Philosophy—often nicknamed the “Department of Longevity”—where among 44 noted scholars, the average age exceeded 82 years, with a significant number living well past 90. This phenomenon, she explained, is closely tied to philosophers’ pursuit of wisdom, rationality, and their ability to maintain composure and balance in the face of adversity. Examples ranged from Laozi’s reflections on the interdependence of fortune and misfortune, to Kant’s calm detachment, to Bertrand Russell’s optimism even during illness and hardship.
The discussion then turned to the broader significance of cultivating clear thinking for ordinary people. Ms. Yu emphasized that unclear thinking manifests as confusion, illogical arguments, and disorganized expression. To overcome these limitations, she proposed three key practices:
- Think More – pause and clarify objectives, arguments, and logic before speaking.
- Read More – expand knowledge through books on management, psychology, logic, rhetoric, and philosophy.
- Learn More – observe and emulate clear, logical speakers through lectures, training, and practice.
She also underscored the importance of improving communication by listening attentively, practicing consistently, and expressing ideas clearly. By recognizing and countering the brain’s natural cognitive habits, individuals can train themselves to think more clearly, broaden their perspectives, and achieve greater personal growth.
This inspiring session was jointly organized by the ICF executive team in collaboration with the Federation’s Artist Club, Health Club, Women Entrepreneurs’ Club, and Taoist Philosophy Club, reflecting ICF’s mission to foster cultural dialogue and personal development through shared learning.
Past Event: ICF 12th Salon – “The Literary Works of Svetlana Alexievich”
On June 28, 2022, the International Culture Federation (ICF) hosted its 12th salon event at the M2 Gallery in Improve Canada. This session was the third lecture in ICF’s ongoing series on Ukrainian cultural and artistic heritage. The lecture, titled “The Literary Works of Svetlana Alexievich”, was delivered by Ms. Foresthill Rose, with Dr. Timur serving as moderator. The event was co-organized by CYCA and ACPN.
Svetlana Alexievich, born in 1948 in Ukraine to a Belarusian father and Ukrainian mother, is a renowned journalist and nonfiction writer who graduated from Minsk University. She is widely recognized for her oral history–based documentary works that capture the personal voices and collective traumas surrounding major historical events such as World War II, the Soviet–Afghan War, the Chernobyl disaster, and the collapse of the Soviet Union. Her books include War’s Unwomanly Face, The Last Witnesses, Zinky Boys, Voices from Chernobyl, Second-Hand Time, among others. Her polyphonic style—based on the authentic testimonies of individuals—earned her global acclaim and the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2015, praised as “a monument to suffering and courage in our time.”
The lecture explored Alexievich’s literary contributions, her distinctive narrative methods, and her commitment to preserving the voices of “ordinary people” often left out of official histories. Participants engaged with discussions on how her work documents both individual and collective trauma, spanning from wartime experiences to the challenges of post-Soviet transformation.
This meaningful cultural event was jointly prepared by ICF’s executive team together with the Federation’s Artist Club, Health Club, Women Entrepreneurs’ Club, and Taoist Philosophy Club, showcasing the collaborative spirit of the community in celebrating literature, history, and cultural exchange.
