I’m Benjamin Parry. I run The Toronto Society, a new home for learning, research, and culture. We host lectures, seminars, reading groups, debates, and more.

For the last few years I have been interested in human judgement and traditions of knowledge. Why is it that the work of some creative circles lasts for centuries while others never get off the ground? How do we develop judgement, and how does that lead to success in business ventures, political leadership, scientific achievement and moral transformation? I’ve explored philosophy and theology, complexity science, and case studies of successful investors, artists, and company builders. I’ve written about what I’ve learned.

I’ve been particularly inspired by the work of Christopher Alexander, Michael Polanyi, Charles Taylor, and C.S. Lewis, as well as a long list of other writers.

The Society is a way to make these lessons concrete by supporting a community of excellence that pursues original, wise work. As the old Toronto motto puts it: Industry. Intelligence. Integrity.

My career more broadly has been about making complex things clear so we can build in a way that is more beautiful and effective. Most recently, before the Toronto Society, that meant co-founding Build Canada, where I led policy. Our recommendations were read widely within the Canadian federal government and shaped billions of dollars of spending. Before that I worked at Tim Hortons, where I helped to design, build and run the largest loyalty program in Canada, including setting up the organisation’s data science team.

I grew up in London , before heading to Philadelphia  for university. Along the way I lived for 6 months in 佛山  and a year in NYC . I’m grateful to now be based in Toronto .

I’m active on X and I always enjoy connecting with like-minded people.

另外，我每天说和读中文。我的目标是有一天中文读写能跟英语差不多。如果您想跟我交谈，请告诉我！