The Preamble of The Prometheum Charter
Developed to fuel the flame of intellectual curiosity that burns within us, and to bring together those who desire to surround themselves with free thinkers from all fields of thought, so that they may expand their intellect, share their thoughts, cultivate their ideas, discuss their opinions, and enjoy the pursuit and attainment of knowledge for the benefit of themselves and of mankind.
The Preamble of The Prometheum Charter
Developed to fuel the flame of intellectual curiosity that burns within us, and to bring together those who desire to surround themselves with free thinkers from all fields of thought, so that they may expand their intellect, share their thoughts, cultivate their ideas, discuss their opinions, and enjoy the pursuit and attainment of knowledge for the benefit of themselves and of mankind.
In the mythology of ancient Greece, the titan Prometheus stole fire from the gods and gave it to mankind. This fire represented knowledge, technology and civilization. Through his experiments with electricity and lightning, Benjamin Franklin was said to have “stole fire from the skies, and the scepter from the tyrants.” For this he was dubbed the “Modern Prometheus.”
In 1727, Franklin, a gregarious man, organized a group of tradesmen and artisans that met every week to provide a structured forum for discussion and debate. Members of the group, which called itself the Junto, were drawn form diverse backgrounds and occupations. All shared a thirst for knowledge and a desire to improve themselves and their community. Franklin called it “a club of mutual improvement” and wrote that the debates were “conducted in the sincere spirit of inquiry after truth, without fondness for dispute, or desire of victory.”
In 1991, drawing from the pattern of the Junto, a group of young professionals from diverse fields began a tradition of weekly gatherings on Thursday evenings to discuss and debate ideas, both philosophical and topical. These discussions, always spirited and thought-provoking, would occur against a backdrop of a full-course dinner, fine beverage and cigar smoke. Everyone was encouraged and felt comfortable to give his opinion, and knew that he would have to defend it intellectually.
Expanding on the influence of Franklin and the foundations set by the Thursday night gatherings, the Prometheum was created for the intellectually curious; an open forum for debate, discussion and the free exchange of ideas.
In the mythology of ancient Greece, the titan Prometheus stole fire from the gods and gave it to mankind. This fire represented knowledge, technology and civilization. Through his experiments with electricity and lightning, Benjamin Franklin was said to have “stole fire from the skies, and the scepter from the tyrants.” For this he was dubbed the “Modern Prometheus.”
In 1727, Franklin, a gregarious man, organized a group of tradesmen and artisans that met every week to provide a structured forum for discussion and debate. Members of the group, which called itself the Junto, were drawn form diverse backgrounds and occupations. All shared a thirst for knowledge and a desire to improve themselves and their community. Franklin called it “a club of mutual improvement” and wrote that the debates were “conducted in the sincere spirit of inquiry after truth, without fondness for dispute, or desire of victory.”
In 1991, drawing from the pattern of the Junto, a group of young professionals from diverse fields began a tradition of weekly gatherings on Thursday evenings to discuss and debate ideas, both philosophical and topical. These discussions, always spirited and thought-provoking, would occur against a backdrop of a full-course dinner, fine beverage and cigar smoke. Everyone was encouraged and felt comfortable to give his opinion, and knew that he would have to defend it intellectually.
Expanding on the influence of Franklin and the foundations set by the Thursday night gatherings, the Prometheum was created for the intellectually curious; an open forum for debate, discussion and the free exchange of ideas.
The Prometheum meets regularly for discussion and debate, as well as camaraderie and fellowship. It is a forum for the free and open exchange of ideas.
We host speakers and presenters on all matters of intellectual pursuit as well as tastings from beverage distillers and culinary companies. We have social events throughout the year, including a family barbeque, holiday parties, movie showings and concerts.
The Prometheum’s philanthropic arm is The Prometheum Foundation. It is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, which is for both men and women and completely non-partisan. (More information below or visit www.prometheum.foundation)
What we do…
The Prometheum meets regularly for discussion and debate, as well as camaraderie and fellowship. It is a forum for the free and open exchange of ideas.
We host speakers and presenters on all matters of intellectual pursuit as well as tastings from beverage distillers and culinary companies. We have social events throughout the year, including a family barbeque, holiday parties, movie showings and concerts.
The Prometheum’s philanthropic arm is The Prometheum Foundation. It is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, which is for both men and women and completely non-partisan. (More information below or visit www.prometheum.foundation)
The Prometheum IS NOT partisan.
We favor no political party or agenda. We care not what your political view is, only that you think, you are intellectually honest, and you are willing to present and defend your views if you have them.
The Prometheum IS NOT restrictive in debate.
We favor Freedom of Thought, where ever it may lead. We do not hamper debate or discussion with rules of thought. We do not, however, allow personal attacks in a discussion or debate.
The Prometheum IS NOT for the sensitive.
We are not for those who easily take offense to, or get insulted by, someone who disagrees with their views, or criticizes their philosophy, religious views, or political stand.
The Prometheum IS NOT elitist.
Our members come from all walks of life. We are not concerned with what someone does for their livelihood. We are however an exclusive organization, and we choose carefully those who belong.
The Prometheum Is…
For those of high integrity, both in their business and personal life.
For those who want to discuss and debate issues and ideas and hear opposing views to better form their own.
For those who are intellectually curious, and want to expand their scope of learning.
For those who want to obtain knowledge and the camaraderie and friendship that develop with it.
The Prometheum IS NOT partisan.
We favor no political party or agenda. We care not what your political view is, only that you think, you are intellectually honest, and you are willing to present and defend your views if you have them.
The Prometheum IS NOT restrictive in debate.
We favor Freedom of Thought, where ever it may lead. We do not hamper debate or discussion with rules of thought. We do not, however, allow personal attacks in a discussion or debate.
The Prometheum IS NOT for the sensitive.
We are not for those who easily take offense to, or get insulted by, someone who disagrees with their views, or criticizes their philosophy, religious views, or political stand.
The Prometheum IS NOT elitist.
Our members come from all walks of life. We are not concerned with what someone does for their livelihood. We are however an exclusive organization, and we choose carefully those who belong.
For those of high integrity, both in their business and personal life.
For those who want to discuss and debate issues and ideas and hear opposing views to better form their own.
For those who are intellectually curious, and want to expand their scope of learning.
For those who want to obtain knowledge and the camaraderie and friendship that develop with it.
• The Prometheum is a private organization. It is not open to the public.
• There are no titles used in The Prometheum for members or guests
• Guests are invited through a member or members of The Prometheum.
• Guests are allowed solely at the complete discretion of the officers of The Prometheum.
• Guests are expected to dress and act appropriately.
• If you are interested in The Prometheum and coming as a guest, you can contact us: information@prometheum.org
Experts
We are looking for experts and presenters in all fields of history, science and art.
If you are an author, expert or speaker on Astronomy, Physics, Quantum theory, History, Political Science, Art History, Technology, or anything else you think might be of interest, and would like to speak at The Prometheum you can contact us at: information@prometheum.org
• The Prometheum is a private organization. It is not open to the public.
• There are no titles used in The Prometheum for members or guests
• Guests are invited through a member or members of The Prometheum.
• Guests are allowed solely at the complete discretion of the officers of The Prometheum.
• Guests are expected to dress and act appropriately.
• If you are interested in The Prometheum and coming as a guest, you can contact us: information@prometheum.org
Experts
We are looking for experts and presenters in all fields of history, science and art.
If you are an author, expert or speaker on Astronomy, Physics, Quantum theory, History, Political Science, Art History, Technology, or anything else you think might be of interest, and would like to speak at The Prometheum you can contact us at: information@prometheum.org
Society’s ultimate good “is better reached by free trade in ideas… the best test of truth is the power of the thought to get itself accepted in the competition of the market.”
— Oliver Wendell Holmes
The Prometheum Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that encourages critical and analytical thinking, freedom of thought, and entrance into the “marketplace of ideas”.
A representative democracy needs citizens who discuss and evaluate issues and vote with an educated opinion.
Today’s climate of social and political discussion is prohibitive, often degenerating into name calling. Instead of listening to the reasoning of the opposing view we accuse those who hold it of bad intentions. Unfortunately, discourse has become coarse. Apathy and a lack of knowledge often compound this issue.
The Prometheum Foundation was created to change this dynamic —
• We bring civility into civil discourse.
• We bring the ability to speak and listen openly.
• We bring information and awareness about current and past issues.
• We bring knowledge and understanding of important documents.
• We teach people to question and analyze what they read and hear.
OUR FIVE TARGETED PROGRAMS
FRANKLIN FORUM — High school programs that get students to think, critically and analytically about current issues and public policy, about governance and the Constitution
CONSTITUTION CENTER — Teaches about the history and principles of the US Constitution and Declaration of Independence
DEBATE CENTER — Holds public debates so people can be informed, hear opposing views, and decide for themselves between political candidates, public policy, societal issues, and scientific deliberations
INFORMATION CENTER — Resources to keep people informed and up to date about current and past political and social issues
HEALTH PROJECT — Raising awareness about the importance and need for proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle
Society’s ultimate good “is better reached by free trade in ideas… the best test of truth is the power of the thought to get itself accepted in the competition of the market.”
— Oliver Wendell Holmes
The Prometheum Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that encourages critical and analytical thinking, freedom of thought, and entrance into the “marketplace of ideas”.
A representative democracy needs citizens who discuss and evaluate issues and vote with an educated opinion.
Today’s climate of social and political discussion is prohibitive, often degenerating into name calling. Instead of listening to the reasoning of the opposing view we accuse those who hold it of bad intentions. Unfortunately, discourse has become coarse. Apathy and a lack of knowledge often compound this issue.
The Prometheum Foundation was created to change this dynamic —
• We bring civility into civil discourse.
• We bring the ability to speak and listen openly.
• We bring information and awareness about current and past issues.
• We bring knowledge and understanding of important documents.
• We teach people to question and analyze what they read and hear.
OUR FIVE TARGETED PROGRAMS
FRANKLIN FORUM — High school programs that get students to think, critically and analytically about current issues and public policy, about governance and the Constitution
CONSTITUTION CENTER — Teaches about the history and principles of the US Constitution and Declaration of Independence
DEBATE CENTER — Holds public debates so people can be informed, hear opposing views, and decide for themselves between political candidates, public policy, societal issues, and scientific deliberations
INFORMATION CENTER — Resources to keep people informed and up to date about current and past political and social issues
HEALTH PROJECT — Raising awareness about the importance and need for proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle
The Franklin Forum is a high school program that begins a process of participation in our society at the most basic level – by encouraging involvement in the public discourse. It gets students to think about and discuss issues and public policy, and gain an appreciation of our democratic principles and a practical understanding of the Constitution. Though moderated discussion The Franklin Forum develops confidence, communication skills, esteem, and students who think critically and are more engaged. It produces better students who can express their ideas while respecting the opinions of others, and better citizens who are more prepared to cast their vote because they have thought about what and for whom they are voting.
“The staff and students here at …… want to thank you for the extraordinary opportunity you have provided them through the Franklin Forum. To date, the students participated in six debates and the positive outcomes were immediately transformational!”
— Assistant Director, (a school for troubled children)
“Over the years, I have seen immense growth in students’ social and cognitive abilities as a result of regular participation in the Franklin Forum….
In the classroom, I see a marked difference in the thinking skills of students who regularly participate in the forum.”
— Teacher (high school)
“Its been a remarkable four years with The Franklin Forum, and it’s an experience which I will benefit from for the rest on my life…..The Franklin Forum has caused me to become a more active participant in our society, democracy, and country.”
— Student, Franklin Forum Alumus
The Franklin Forum is a high school program that begins a process of participation in our society at the most basic level – by encouraging involvement in the public discourse. It gets students to think about and discuss issues and public policy, and gain an appreciation of our democratic principles and a practical understanding of the Constitution. Though moderated discussion The Franklin Forum develops confidence, communication skills, esteem, and students who think critically and are more engaged. It produces better students who can express their ideas while respecting the opinions of others, and better citizens who are more prepared to cast their vote because they have thought about what and for whom they are voting.
“The staff and students here at …… want to thank you for the extraordinary opportunity you have provided them through the Franklin Forum. To date, the students participated in six debates and the positive outcomes were immediately transformational!”
— Assistant Director, (a school for troubled children)
“Over the years, I have seen immense growth in students’ social and cognitive abilities as a result of regular participation in the Franklin Forum….
In the classroom, I see a marked difference in the thinking skills of students who regularly participate in the forum.”
— Teacher (high school)
“Its been a remarkable four years with The Franklin Forum, and it’s an experience which I will benefit from for the rest on my life…..The Franklin Forum has caused me to become a more active participant in our society, democracy, and country.”
— Student, Franklin Forum Alumus
For more information contact:
information@prometheum.org
203-653-7172
300 Bedford Street | Stamford, CT 06901
Copyright © 2024 The Prometheum, Inc. a non-profit organization | All Rights Reserved | Prometheum Foundation
Accessibility
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Website Accessibility
At The Promethum, Inc. we are committed to making our website easily accessible to all visitors. Our site strives to incorporate the recommendations of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) as published by the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).
Though no single definitive test of conformance to Level AA of the WCAG exists, we have implemented various methods to assess our accessibility, not limited to but including physical tests using screenreaders and keyboard only. If you find a part of the site that you feel does not conform to Level AA of the WCAG, please contact us by phone at 203-653-717 to let us know so that we can make adjustments.
Web Site Terms and Conditions of Use
1. Terms
By accessing this web site, you are agreeing to be bound by these web site Terms and Conditions of Use, all applicable laws and regulations, and agree that you are responsible for compliance with any applicable local laws. If you do not agree with any of these terms, you are prohibited from using or accessing this site. The materials contained in this web site are protected by applicable copyright and trademark law.
2. Use License
Permission is granted to temporarily download one copy of the materials (information or software) on The Prometheum, Inc.’s web site for personal, non-commercial transitory viewing only. This is the grant of a license, not a transfer of title, and under this license you may not:
– modify or copy the materials;
– use the materials for any commercial purpose, or for any public display (commercial or non-commercial);
– attempt to decompile or reverse engineer any software contained on The Prometheum, Inc.’s web site;
– remove any copyright or other proprietary notations from the materials; or
– transfer the materials to another person or “mirror” the materials on any other server. This license shall automatically terminate if you violate any of these restrictions and may be terminated by The Prometheum, Inc. at any time. Upon terminating your viewing of these materials or upon the termination of this license, you must destroy any downloaded materials in your possession whether in electronic or printed format.
3. Disclaimer
The materials on The Prometheum, Inc.’s web site are provided “as is”. The Prometheum, Inc. makes no warranties, expressed or implied, and hereby disclaims and negates all other warranties, including without limitation, implied warranties or conditions of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement of intellectual property or other violation of rights. Further, The Prometheum, Inc. does not warrant or make any representations concerning the accuracy, likely results, or reliability of the use of the materials on its Internet web site or otherwise relating to such materials or on any sites linked to this site.
4. Limitations
In no event shall The Prometheum, Inc. or its suppliers be liable for any damages (including, without limitation, damages for loss of data or profit, or due to business interruption,) arising out of the use or inability to use the materials on The Prometheum, Inc.’s Internet site, even if The Prometheum, Inc. or a The Prometheum, Inc. authorized representative has been notified orally or in writing of the possibility of such damage. Because some jurisdictions do not allow limitations on implied warranties, or limitations of liability for consequential or incidental damages, these limitations may not apply to you.
5. Revisions and Errata
The materials appearing on The Prometheum, Inc.’s web site could include technical, typographical, or photographic errors. The Prometheum, Inc. does not warrant that any of the materials on its web site are accurate, complete, or current. The Prometheum, Inc. may make changes to the materials contained on its web site at any time without notice. The Prometheum, Inc. does not, however, make any commitment to update the materials.
6. Links
The Prometheum, Inc. has not reviewed all of the sites linked to its Internet web site and is not responsible for the contents of any such linked site. The inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement by The Prometheum, Inc. of the site. Use of any such linked web site is at the user’s own risk.
7. Site Terms of Use Modifications
The Prometheum, Inc. may revise these terms of use for its web site at any time without notice. By using this web site you are agreeing to be bound by the then current version of these Terms and Conditions of Use.
8. Governing Law
Any claim relating to The Prometheum, Inc.’s web site shall be governed by the laws of the State of Connecticut without regard to its conflict of law provisions.
General Terms and Conditions applicable to Use of a Web Site.
Privacy Policy
Your privacy is very important to us. Accordingly, we have developed this Policy in order for you to understand how we collect, use, communicate and disclose and make use of personal information. The following outlines our privacy policy.
- Before or at the time of collecting personal information, we will identify the purposes for which information is being collected.
- We will collect and use personal information solely with the objective of fulfilling those purposes specified by us and for other compatible purposes, unless we obtain the consent of the individual concerned or as required by law.
- We will only retain personal information as long as necessary for the fulfillment of those purposes.
- We will collect personal information by lawful and fair means and, where appropriate, with the knowledge or consent of the individual concerned.
- Personal data should be relevant to the purposes for which it is to be used, and, to the extent necessary for those purposes, should be accurate, complete, and up-to-date.
- We will protect personal information by reasonable security safeguards against loss or theft, as well as unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, use or modification.
- We will make readily available to customers information about our policies and practices relating to the management of personal information.
We are committed to conducting our business in accordance with these principles in order to ensure that the confidentiality of personal information is protected and maintained.
Website Accessibility
At The Promethum Foundation, we are committed to making our website easily accessible to all visitors. Our site strives to incorporate the recommendations of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) as published by the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).
Though no single definitive test of conformance to Level AA of the WCAG exists, we have implemented various methods to assess our accessibility, not limited to but including physical tests using screenreaders and keyboard only. If you find a part of the site that you feel does not conform to Level AA of the WCAG, please contact us by phone at 203-653-7172 to let us know so that we can make adjustments.
You’ve Landed….
The Prometheum® is an exclusive fraternal group based on an assemblage Benjamin Franklin started in the 1700’s. Our agenda is to obtain knowledge in all fields of history, science and philosophy. We look to engage men of integrity who are intellectually curious and who want to freely discuss and debate issues and ideas, while hearing opposing views to better form their own. A great camaraderie is established amongst our members, and strong friendships are developed even between those of opposing philosophic views. In addition to member evenings, The Prometheum has many social events and parties for spouses and friends, including designated times and occasions for those who enjoy a cigar.
The Prometheum Foundation is our philanthropic arm. A charity created to expand the marketplace of ideas. It promotes reason, critical and analytical thinking, and freedom of thought. The Foundation works to put Civility back into Civil Discourse.
