The perambulating philosopher

>>West Islander strolls Ste-Anne-de-
Bellevue in deep conversation with
weekly interlocutors

by CHRIS BARRY

Name: Tom Levitt

Age: 55

Occupation: “Writer/musician/painter”

Bio: This erudite, distinctively complex Senneville resident once sponsored a series of “philosophy cafés” in the Plateau before moving out to the far reaches of the West Island some five years ago. The grandson of noted 20th century Austrian intellectual/social philosopher Karl Polanyi, Tom says he “gets by financially through a combination of things, although I have to admit I’ve had some help from my family.” So, when not repairing saxophones or busking with his trusty accordion along the boardwalk in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, he’s happily conducting his “Walk With a Philosopher” events, where, essentially, you get to hook up with the good man and walk around Ste-Anne listening to him wax philosophical on all manner of ideas—maybe even getting a word or two in yourself sometimes. “It’s my return to philosophy as a public activity. I’ll be there to take a walk with anyone who calls me.” Reach him via tom.levitt@sympatico.ca.

So what happens when one chooses to go walking with a philosopher? “I define my Walk With a Philosopher community activity as an informal, serious, one-to-one, discussion of themes taken from religion, psychology, history and other humanities. All while we’re walking, getting fresh air at the same time. We discuss themes close to my interlocutor’s vital interests which make the connection between everyday life and ideas—also ideals. Any broadminded, witty, urbane, sparkling conversation is philosophy.”

Is he perhaps concerned the activity could be interpreted by some as “Walk With a Pompous Ass” instead? “Undoubtedly I am perceived as such, with good reason, because calling myself a philosopher is indeed pompous. I do it to inspire exchanges, such as the one we are having now, and also, because Walk With a Philosopher has a ring to it—one not as mirthful as Walk With a Pompous Ass.”

Does he have any academic degrees? No. “But my parents were university people. I carry on their work in a bohemian mode. I studied karate though—with the maverick Ary Anastasiadis—and he was and remains a philosopher.”

Something Tom says he absolutely “loves”: Humour. “There’s so much to humour that is contextual, and I find that very exciting.”

Are these walks perhaps just a ruse to meet CEGEP chicks who will no doubt find themselves smitten by his worldly intelligence and want to demonstrate their admiration by blowing him? “On a philosophical level, this is the kind of question I cannot dignify with an answer. I can’t respond to a question like this seriously. I can’t answer yes, I can’t answer no. It’s such a ridiculous, insulting question. If I say no, okay, then I’m presuming that there’s enough substance to this question to warrant an answer. If I could think of an answer as funny as the question, I would give it to you. No, the walks are part of my own search for meaning. They enable me to clarify my ideas, help others in their development and get fresh air. They are the suburban incarnation of my 1998–2003 philosophy café series. Participation is on the basis of a voluntary contribution or simply free.”

Last book read: The Tragedy Queen, by Linda Leith.

Musical preferences: Mike Freed, Matt Cabana, Doug Miller

Words of wisdom: “Education is a social process.”

Comments: dimwit@hdot.net