Sages & Scholars Mission Statement

Ancient Wisdom meets Cutting-Age Technology

The Sages & Scholars Conference exists to create a thoughtful, multidisciplinary platform for exploring the future of humanity and civilization through the meeting of old wisdom and modern technology.

We bring together philosophers, scientists, religious thinkers, technologists, educators, and seekers to examine the deepest questions of human consciousness, intelligence, ethics, and meaning in an age of rapid change. Our mission is to foster balanced dialogue, not extremes; harmony, not division; and shared inquiry across disciplines that too often remain isolated in silos.

By gathering diverse perspectives into one living conversation, Sages & Scholars seeks to cultivate a community of thinkers capable of imagining wiser paths forward for human civilization. Through annual conferences, public dialogue, and future educational certificate programs, we aim to grow a new paradigm of learning rooted in wisdom, intelligence, and a larger vision for humanity.

Areas of Inquiry

At a time when artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, and other exponential technologies are reshaping society, we believe the most important questions remain deeply human. Through keynote lectures, panel discussions, and community engagement, the conference creates a space where ancient wisdom and modern innovation can meet. 

• Keynote Speakers

• Mini-Lectures

• Panel Discussions

• Book Fair

• Silent Auction

• Vendors and Partners

• Awards

Distinguished Voices

Keynotes & Featured Speakers

Conference Schedule

9:00 – 9:15 AM

Welcome & Opening

Nathan Brown, John Harney, Maria Harney — Conference Organizers and Moderators

• Welcome & Hermetic Consistory Foundation

• Purpose and vision of the conference

• Housekeeping & setting the tone

9:15 – 10:00 AM

KEYNOTE I

AI/Robots and the Future of Humanity: A Survey of Ethical Issues

Professor Keith Abney

30–35 min lecture · 10–15 min Q&A

10:00 – 10:25 AM

Featured Lecture

The Turing Principle: Beyond Intelligence Toward Wisdom and Human Flourishing

Dr. Susan Ip-Jewell

10:25 – 10:50 AM

Featured Lecture

Epistemic Injustice and Generative AI: How Gen-AI Can Cause Unjust Epistemic Harm through Concept Association

Dr. Fran Fairbairn

10:50 – 11:15 AM

Featured Lecture

The Grail, the Cube, and the Lost Word

Dru Wood

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

PANEL I

Exponential technologies, Ethics, and Human Agency

What does it mean to be a Human in the age of Technology? This panel explores identity, consciousness, ethics, and what remains sacred about personhood in the age of Technology. 

Panelists:

• Keith Abney, Professor, Cal Poly

• Dr. Susan Ip-Jewell, MD, CEO, MMAARS, Inc.

• Dr. Fran Fairbairn, Professor at UC Bakersfield

• Dru Wood, Freemason

• Brian Arnold Ph.D., Professor, American College of Education

Moderator: Nathan Brown

Audience Q&A

12:30 – 1:30 PM

Lunch & Social

Lunch · Book Fair · Silent Auction · Networking

Speaker Meet & Greet

1:30 – 2:30 PM

KEYNOTE II

Technology, Meaning, and the Crisis of Civilization (tentative)

John Michael Greer

2:35 – 3:00 PM

Featured Lecture

From Plato to AI: Why Minds and Civilizations Flourish or Collapse

HIRH Prince Gharios El Chemor of Ghassan Al-Nu'man VIII

3:00 – 3:25 PM

Featured Lecture

The Soul Beyond Fate: The Nag Hammadi Hermetic Texts as a School of Ascent

Daniel Rivera

3:35 – 4:00 PM

Featured Lecture

Pastoral Theology, Leadership, and Ethics in an Automated Society

Revd. Gary Noonan

4:00 – 4:15 PM

Mini-Lecture

Humans and Machines: Who Is Forming Whom in the Age of Technology?

Dr. Maria Harney, MD, MA(c.)

4:15 – 5:00 PM

PANEL II

Civilizational perspective: Ancient Wisdom and Technological Futures

This panel looks at long-term civilizational patterns, spiritual traditions, and how ancient wisdom can guide us through technological change and more.
 

Panelists:
• John Michael Greer, American Author, Druid
• Prince Gharios, Philosopher
• Daniel Rivera, Freemason
• Rev. Gary Noonan, pastor of First Presbyterian Church

• Jaclyn Kalkhurst, PhD (c.), Mythology & Depth Psychology

Moderator: John Harney

Audience Q&A

5:00 PM

Closing Remarks

Nathan Brown, John Harney, Maria Harney

• Conference reflections

• Thank sponsors

• Future initiatives

• Silent auction winners and awards

• Social

Conference Details:

Date: October 17, 2026

Location: 1126 Fair Oaks Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030 

Contact: 

Info@SagesAndScholars.com

© 2026 Sages & Scholars Conference. All rights reserved.