What is the interest of such a subject today?
The ancients understood very well what the timeless problems of all human beings are. They understood that there is an outer and an inner human being – and sometimes we have difficulty connecting them into a cohesive and harmonious way of life. The schools of ancient philosophy inspire us because they have already laid the foundations, addressing the great questions that we still have today. They give us advice that is practical in order to apply wisdom in our daily lives.
The philosopher Pierre Hadot, in the years 1970-1990, was able to update the philosophical practices of these ancient schools for modern times. He explained that all of ancient philosophy is a discipline intended to help us live better, to be better, to enjoy what we experience rather than being subjected to our insatiable passions.
Ancient philosophers trusted the human condition but did not idolise it. They knew what its weaknesses are and at the same time its strengths.
The purpose of the exercises of ancient philosophies was to build one’s own destiny, to go beyond the vision of things dominated by individual passion, and to achieve a more objective and universal vision by going beyond oneself and building a new way of being in the world.
World Philosophy Day – 18th November 2021
By celebrating World Philosophy Day each year, on the third Thursday of November, UNESCO underlines the enduring value of philosophy for the development of human thought, for each culture and for each individual.
With this emphasis, New Acropolis engages as a school of philosophy in the classical tradition in sharing a vision of philosophy as a way of life. A timeless methodology for the transformation of the individual and society, transcending and uniting cultures, giving purpose to the individual and meaningful change for the collectivity.
Each year, to celebrate UNESCO World Philosophy Day we offer free public talks to promote the wisdom of ancient civilizations and this year is no different (albeit online). Now more than ever, we need to learn from our past if we are to build a better future. Let’s share in these possibilities together. As UNESCO say…
UNESCO leads World Philosophy Day – but does not own it. It belongs to everyone, everywhere, who cares about philosophy.
