Finding Meaning in Modern Life

Brains and Barstools brings captivating professors to Toronto bars for vivid lectures that spark curiosity and connection over drinks. On September 28th, we present : "Finding Meaning in Modern Life" by Prof. Gerald Cupchik. Who are you — and how did you become that person? In a world of endless notifications, constant productivity, and increasing digital distraction, many of us feel strangely disconnected—from our work, from one another, and even from ourselves. But this isn't a uniquely modern problem. For centuries, philosophers and psychologists have grappled with one of humanity's oldest questions: how do we develop a coherent sense of self? In this thoughtful and deeply human lecture, Prof. Gerald Cupchik explores how identity is shaped through the lifelong relationship between mind and body, our personal experiences, and the generations of family and culture that came before us. Drawing on psychology, philosophy, and decades of research into emotion, imagination, and human experience, he'll examine why modern life can leave us feeling fragmented—and how we might begin to reconnect. Along the way, we'll explore themes of alienation, belonging, hope, and forgiveness, discovering why meaning isn't something we simply find, but something we continually create through our relationships, our stories, and our place in the broader flow of time. Expect an engaging and reflective evening that offers new ways of thinking about identity, purpose, and what it means to live a meaningful life. 💡 About the incredible Prof. Gerald Cupchik Prof. Gerald Cupchik has been a Professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto since 1974 and is an internationally recognized scholar of aesthetics, emotion, imagination, and human experience. He has served as president of three international psychology organizations and has received both the Rudolf Arnheim Award and the Gustav Fechner Award for distinguished contributions to research. He is the author of several books, including The Aesthetics of Emotion, Landscapes of the Imagination, and Between Clouds and Machines, which explores how technology has transformed our relationship with ourselves and the world around us. 📅 Date: September 28th, 2026 🕡 Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM 📍 Location: Civil Works 🎤 Speaker: Prof. Gerald Cupchik 🎟 Seats are limited!