Energy and creativity in action
W. Galen Weston and the Hon. Hilary M. Weston recently welcomed acclaimed philosopher and literary giant Alain de Botton for the latest instalment of the Holt Renfrew Men Salon Speaker Series.
De Botton is a Swiss-born, British-based philosopher, writer and television presenter. His books and television programs discuss various contemporary subjects and themes, emphasizing philosophy’s relevance to everyday life.
The ongoing Holt Renfrew Men Salon Speakers Series was created to feature a curation of the world’s leading power-brokers and thought leaders for conversations on business, politics and culture. The series launched last fall with prolific Scottish historian and author Niall Ferguson, and has featured political strategist James Carville and CNN’s Fareed Zakaria.
Leaders from the world of business and the arts came together for an intimate dinner and thought-provoking discussion exploring “What is Art For?”
The evening’s moderator, Rudyard Griffiths, offered this to the group of influencers: “The remarkable way in which Alain has consistently and effectively translated his ideas into action with far range and dramatic impact, from architecture to public education to advocacy, has created an impressive and growing intellectual movement the likes of which I have never seen. We need more of this spirit, energy and creativity embodied by Alain here in North America.”
Guests in attendance enjoyed a menu of Cookstown rainbow beet salad with dandelion greens, gala apples and poblano chili vinegar; beef tenderloin with spun mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach, heirloom carrots and natural jus; and sticky toffee pudding with prunes, dates, sweet vanilla crème fraîche and hot toffee.