Indie Scholars (formerly Other Life) was founded by Justin Murphy. It was one of the first networks of independent scholars (people who left academia). It is “a new model of the academic life.”
Justin left academia due to censorship within it. But he also had a romantic view of the archetype of the independent scholar and his ability to radically change culture—drawing on historical examples of Nietzsche and Emerson who, like many scholars today, came up against pressures of intellectual conformity within their institutions. These are themes he elaborates on in his upcoming book The Independent Scholar.
Indie Scholars is has served many purposes over the years. It has hosted online courses (such as on Rene Girard), reading groups (such as on Plato), and annual group retreats, often in wooded cabins or other remote areas.
The core of its mission has been to train people to write and become independent scholars in the internet age—from practical tips like making newsletters and social media to emotional tips like maintaining motivation, the unspoken difficulties of the craft.
In years past, it would host group writing sessions, where a group of four to twenty would be on a group video call, most of the time with cameras off, writing, holding each other accountable. The past year he launched a year-long program. It is intended to keep people focused on sustained body of work. It is group coaching sessions with regular intervals to check on your progress.
Piraeus Articles:
One-year writing program (Future)
2025 NorCal Retreat (Future)
