By Dan Boucher

At one time or another you’ve probably passed junior, Neil Sullivan, in the hallways of WHS. You may have shared a class or two with him or joined him in a friendly game of BSC ball. You may even think you know him by his intimidating facial hair or exotic snap stories with his best feline friend Hen. But what few have discovered about Sullivan is his affinity for the unknown and his quest for deeper answers and meanings.

Sullivan has always believed in the bigger picture of everyday life. He stresses questioning conformity by asking “why” and removing the superficial aspects of life to really examine who he is as an individual. Sullivan claims these beliefs have been influenced by the society and culture we live in that stress kids so enormously with their GPA’s and college applications. He says, “I find it wrong to define any human by a set of numbers, everyone is more than that and should explore the abstract depths of their humanity rather than conform to what society forces upon them.” It’s these ideals he carries so close to his heart that led him and a small band of friends to create the Philosophy Club at WHS.

Since the first meeting at the end of last year in Mr. Noonan’s room, the Philosophy Club has evolved and expanded to be everything Sullivan has ever wished for. The club meets every other Thursday and is an open forum to discuss anything pertaining to the universe. The set-up is a loosely constructed circle of desks where all are welcome and everyone is at equilibrium to discuss what’s on their mind.

A meeting usually commences with someone throwing out an intriguing topic while others “piggy-back” off of it, sharing their own ideas and interpretations on the subject.  When describing the atmosphere of the club, Sullivan explains that the discussions usually start off slow, but always explode into actively heated debates, where the only governing force is the talking stick they pass along. He describes this phenomenon saying, “It’s almost as if an energy forms between members in the discussion, while everyone is pooling their subconscious thought.”

Regardless of what it is, it has increased the club from its original founders to a group consisting of 20+ students, many of whom are regulars practically hooked on the profound discussions. The discussions largely center around metaphysical philosophy, examining the universe at its largest and smallest scales and at many times bringing scientific theories into discussion within the universe.

When looking towards the future for the club Sullivan hopes to increase membership and seek out students just like himself who share a passion for philosophy to join. Currently, the club consists predominantly of juniors with a few sophomores in the mix, and Sullivan encourages students of any grade to come, participate, and diversify the club. Lastly, Sullivan points out that, “Whether in the club or not I believe the most important thing in life is to question the underlying themes of the universe while truly seeking out inner truths within yourself.”