Finnish philosopher Esa Saarinen`s inspirational talk in Tallinn on 2 February
The Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Estonia invites you to join us in celebrating 35 years of Nordic presence in Estonia – a journey built on mutual trust, cooperation, and shared values.
To mark this anniversary, we are delighted to host an inspiring afternoon dedicated to Nordic–Baltic cooperation, featuring a talk “Working Together for a Better Future” by Esa Saarinen, one of Finland’s most original and engaging thinkers.
Esa Saarinen is a philosopher who believes deeply in people, dialogue, and the power of small positive changes. As a Professor of Philosophy at Aalto University, he has inspired thousands of leaders, educators, students, and change-makers across the Nordic countries. Known for his unique style, Esa combines philosophy, systems thinking, leadership insights, and everyday wisdom – always with warmth, curiosity, and optimism. His talks invite audiences not only to think differently, but to see new possibilities in working together.
Programme
🕒 15:00–15:30 – Arrival and welcome
🕒 15:30–18:00 – Talk by Esa Saarinen (in two parts, with light refreshments during the break)
Date: 2 February 2026
Time: 15:00–18:00
Venue: National Library of Estonia (RaRa), Conference Hall, ground floor
Entrance: Free of charge, but registration required
Register your participation here!
We would be pleased to celebrate this milestone together with you and to reflect on how cooperation can help us build a better future – in the Nordic-Baltic region and beyond.
About Esa Saarinen
Esa Saarinen is a philosopher, author, coach, intellectual, and Professor Emeritus at Aalto University. Having earned his PhD at the age of 24, he became known for his vivid and energetic speaking style and was soon nicknamed the “punk doctor.”
Saarinen is renowned for his critical and in-depth approach. He has studied both classical philosophers and contemporary thinkers, often offering fresh and unexpected interpretations of their work. His primary interest lies in how our linguistic and cultural backgrounds shape our worldview and moral understanding.
Thanks to his lectures at the University of Helsinki, Aalto University, and in the corporate sector, as well as his public appearances, Esa has been one of Finland’s most well-known scholars since the 1980s. As the author and co-author of numerous books, he sees his calling in promoting applied philosophy as a means of improving one’s life – by thinking beyond conventional patterns and connecting thought with emotion and everyday experience.
Saarinen’s books have also been translated into Estonian. He is a frequent guest on Finnish television talk shows and has appeared in Estonia many times before.
In his presentations, Esa Saarinen focuses on applying philosophical thinking in real life. He raises the question: can philosophy improve human experience – or even transform the way people think? He illustrates this through the concept of life-philosophical lecturing, which emphasizes respect for others and the creation of a friendly, positive atmosphere.
Saarinen practices these principles himself, greeting each of his students individually before his lectures, which often attract audiences of up to 600 people. In addition, he has introduced philosophical thinking among top global executives, including leaders at Nokia and Marimekko.
More info:
