Celebrate 10 Years of Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality!
A decade ago, Eliezer Yudkowsky completed Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality, a fanfic that took ~~Hogwarts~~ the world by storm with its sharp logic, scientific curiosity, and Bayesian spells. Now, it’s time to gather our fellow Ravenclaws (and other Houses, of course) to commemorate this magical milestone!

We’re hosting this meetup at The Graduate Hotel Lobby in the U-District where you can discuss optimization, transfiguration, and the many-worlds interpretation—all while enjoying good company and good food (Matt and I'll bring some starters). Whether you’re a die-hard Bayesian or just curious about the book’s ideas, we welcome all levels of rationality wizards!

Additional Fun:

• Costumes are optional but encouraged—whether you arrive as a Hogwarts professor, a Dementor of Doubt, or an Unspeakable from the Department of Mysteries.
• Expect plenty of lively discussions—whether it’s about the Stanford Prison Experiment, the AI alignment problem, or just how Quirrell could have optimized his plans.
• A game of Rationality Cardinality (totally not a reskinned and improved Cards Against Humanity) to partially transfigure your understanding of cognitive biases, humor, and reasoning (if I can get one printed and cut in time).
• ​The Patronus Challenge - Consider what scientific or rational concept most fills you with wonder and joy. Be prepared to share it as we collectively cast our rationalist Patronuses against the darkness of cognitive biases.

No need to cast an Accio spell—just show up, bring a snack, and let’s make this gathering as fun as a Phoenix’s rebirth!
We solemnly swear… that it’ll be a great time. See you there! 🏰✨

Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the world of rational Harry, this is a great opportunity to meet like-minded thinkers in the (greater) Seattle Rationality community.

PS: Thanks to the Sydney Rationality group for the bulk of this writeup, the London Rationality group for the Patronus Challenge, as well as Eneasz Brodski and Screwtape for popularizing running a 10 year Anniversary.

PPS: Please feel free to help and bring some snacks!