# DecafQuest

> Taking philosophy back to the marketplace. Applied philosophy, advisory, retreats, and essays by Mahmoud Rasmi.

DecafQuest is an independent philosophy practice run by Mahmoud Rasmi (PhD in philosophy). It works with leaders, thinkers, founders, and organizations facing complex decisions involving competing values, uncertain outcomes, and ethical dilemmas.

## Core Offerings

- [Advisory & Consulting](https://decafquest.com/consulting/): One-on-one and organizational advisory on complex decisions, ethical challenges, and strategic thinking when standard formulas fall short.
- [Philosophy Retreats](https://decafquest.com/philosophy-retreat/): Intimate philosophy retreats in historic cities. Socratic dialogues, philosophical walks, and symposiums for small groups of five.
- [Philosophy for Business Leaders](https://decafquest.com/philosophy-business-leaders/): Book by Mahmoud Rasmi exploring curiosity, questioning certainty, embracing adversity, and practical ethical decision-making. Available on Amazon and Goodreads.
- [Programs & Salons](https://decafquest.com/programs/): Reading salons and discussion series including PhiloQuest (monthly book and film discussions running since 2021) and the Tech Leaders Salon.

## Writing

Selected essays on philosophy, culture, decision-making, and navigating uncertainty:

- [Why Every Formula Fails Eventually](https://decafquest.com/why-formulas-fail/): Why blueprints and hacks fall short, and how philosophical thinking provides a real foundation.
- [The Problem With Introspection](https://decafquest.com/the-problem-with-introspection/): A Schelling-inspired look at why self-knowledge comes from creating and acting, not endlessly looking inward.
- [The Unexamined AI Isn’t Worth Trusting](https://decafquest.com/the-unexamined-ai/): Examining Socrates, epistemology, and the critical problem of AI hallucination and blind trust.
- [The Existential Labyrinth: When Inaction Is the Greatest Risk](https://decafquest.com/the-existential-risk/): Exploring existential risk, decision paralysis, and why avoiding action is often the most dangerous choice.
- [Why Philosophy is Useless](https://decafquest.com/why-philosophy-is-useless/): Examining the perceived impracticality of philosophy and why its real value lies in questioning assumptions.
- [When Legality Isn't Enough: What Is Ethics?](https://decafquest.com/when-legality-isnt-enough-ethics/): Why compliance is not enough, exploring the boundary where legal rules end and ethical judgment begins.
- [Beyond Frameworks: Leading with a Philosophical Mindset](https://decafquest.com/philosophical-mindset-leadership/): Moving past business frameworks into first-principles reasoning and critical inquiry.
- [The City of Ideas: A Philosophical Retreat in Vienna](https://decafquest.com/vienna-philosophy-retreat/): Reflections on the Vienna retreat, consciousness, AI, and acting responsibly.
- [Know Thyself: The Philosophical Quest for the Perfect Portfolio](https://decafquest.com/know-thyself-perfect-portfolio/): Applying Socratic self-knowledge to risk tolerance, time horizons, and financial decisions.
- [Full Writing Archive](https://decafquest.com/archive/): Chronological list of all essays and articles published on DecafQuest.

## Contact & Links

- Website: https://decafquest.com
- Writing: https://decafquest.com/writing/
- About: https://decafquest.com/about/
- Email: hello@decafquest.com
- Newsletter: https://decafquest.com/subscribe/
- Retreat Waitlist: https://decafquest.com/retreat-waitlist/