In Victorian London, in the heady days of the Age of Exploration, men formed societies to examine current scientific, literary, and philosophical questions. These were the athenaeum societies, emulating the intellectual traditions of ancient Athens, and they sponsored many of the most important expeditions of all time. Today, there are no scientific, literary, or philosophical questions, but the Jinx Athenaeum Society carries on the athenaeum tradition as best it can. The Society holds meetings at which resolutions are debated, lectures are heard, and beer is drunk. The Jinx Athenaeum Society is no longer holding regular meetings. For those in Austin, TX we recommend the Dionysium. In NYC, Todd Seavey holds a series of monthly debates focusing on political and cultural issues.