Of course we do.

In fact, some of our finest questionable decisions have involved listening to them.

The truth is that the Society was originally conceived as a place for men who felt slightly out of step with the world and wanted permission to keep exploring anyway. We tried very hard to come up with a name that captured the same spirit while including everyone. Unfortunately, every version involving words like “people,” “persons,” “humans,” or “individuals” sounded either like a government agency or a support group for malfunctioning office equipment.

So we went with “Men.”

That said, curiosity has no gender, adventure has no genitalia, and refusing to act your age certainly has none either. If the philosophy resonates with you, welcome aboard. The only real requirement is a willingness to question the script and occasionally take the long way home.

Besides, every successful unconventional man eventually discovers that the women in his life were right about several things all along. We just prefer to arrive at that conclusion independently.

Membership is automatic the moment you find yourself saying, “You know, I wonder what would happen if…” and then actually doing the thing. Formal membership opportunities, newsletters, and other suspiciously cult-like offerings can be found throughout the site.  In fact, just look at the top of this page and click on Newsletter!

Not at all. EMSUM is not about buses, countries, or retirement. It is about curiosity. Some members buy buses. Others learn guitar, start businesses, move cities, take pottery classes, or finally tell their HOA where they can stick their regulations.

Excellent. Most of us joined for the same reason.

In fact, feeling slightly out of place is considered one of the strongest indicators that you may already belong.