ÉLAN – European Legacy Alliance Now

ÉLAN: the noble art of striving — and the relentless will to prevail.
Round-table for changemakers to grow, connect, and shape a new future.
About this Event

ÉLAN: the noble art of striving — and the relentless will to prevail.

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As in Emmeline Pankhurst's "the noble art of window smashing".
As in Schopenhauer's "Will to Life" and Nietzsche's "Will to Power".

A new European movement for Seekers, Founders & Shapers

No Fate!

Seek. Build. Shape.

Think Deep. Build Bold. Shape Tomorrow.

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ÉLAN – European Legacy Alliance Now

"Legacy" — as in the living inheritance of Europe's poets and thinkers:

Schiller's moral idealism, Kant's categorical conscience, Humboldt's restless curiosity.

As in Bergson's vital impulse — the belief that life, thought, and civilisation are never finished, always becoming.

As in Rousseau's distinction between mere legality and true legitimacy — and his demand for the politically active citizen, the Citoyen, who does not merely obey the state but constitutes it.

This is not nostalgia. It is a foundation — the ground from which ÉLAN grows forward.

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Takeaways: Personal Development/Growth, Self-Creation "Know thyself" (Socrates, Nietzsche, Schopenhauer), Strive for Excellence (Greek: "Areté"), Become a Politically Active Citizen (French: "Citoyen") — to contribute to a better world.

The ÉLAN Movement: Uniting for the Future
ÉLAN brings together people who believe in progress, openness, and responsibility — forming a collaborative counterweight to forces that resist change or retreat from global challenges.

Topics:
Topics will vary, but focus on urgent questions shaping our shared future — including environmental protection, circular economy, social cohesion, and the impact of AI and emerging ASI on our civilisation.
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Free/Included: Coffee & Tea, Snacks, Networking afterwards (18:00 gathering outside).
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VIP ticket holders receive additional recognition, including featured photos and visibility on social media (e.g. LinkedIn). They gain priority access to speak at future events, as well as invitations to the renowned ShapeTechTour (ELAN Tour) to selected destinations across Europe and the UK — including institutions such as the RSA and the LSE in London, as well as Institutes in Cambridge. Selected participants may also be invited to take a more active role in shaping the ÉLAN initiative — including potential co-founder opportunities.
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#FoundersAndShapers #WisdomLover #WisdomSeeker #TruthFinder #LifelongLearning #CivilisationBuilders #PersonalDevelopment #Philosophy #Psychology #Spirituality #ELAN #KEnCVentures #RalfGJKnoll
https://kencventures.com/events/
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Host / Moderator:
Ralf G.J. Knoll works at the intersection of technology, philosophy, and human development. Over many years, he has created and hosted intimate round tables where curious minds explore ideas, challenge assumptions, and grow beyond themselves.
This event is part of a broader initiative, called ÉLAN — bringing together seekers, founders, and shapers who aim not only to understand the world, but to actively shape it. In this sense, Ralf’s role is less that of a teacher, and more that of a guide — accompanying those who wish to grow into thoughtful, responsible actors in a changing world.

Why Wuppertal?
Active across Germany, Benelux, the UK, and Ireland, I have lived and worked in many places. Yet this initiative begins in my birthplace, Wuppertal.

With its strong intellectual and environmental heritage — from the Wuppertal Institute to the Circular Valley Convention — and its uniquely green, hilly landscape, the city offers a fitting starting point.

Sometimes called the “San Francisco of Europe,” Wuppertal reflects both diversity and transformation — making it an ideal place to begin shaping what comes next.
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Disclaimer & Media Consent:
By registering, participants consent to being contacted by KEnC Ventures GmbH regarding this event. Data will be used only for post-event follow-ups (e.g. future events, newsletters). The event may be recorded and shared on platforms such as Flickr or YouTube. If all participants are German speakers, the event may be conducted in German.
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The ticket price also serves as a donation to support this initiative.
If you do not attend, tickets are non-refundable due to fixed costs (e.g. venue).
If the event is cancelled, tickets will, of course, be fully refunded.
Please note that ticket sales close 3 hours before any ÉLAN event starts.
For this particular event, tickets must be purchased by 12:00 (midday).