Editorial Word
Inspired by everything happening around us, in a world that is in crisis in many ways, we join engaged thinkers like Pierre Hadot and emphasize the burning need for true philosophy. It has been passed down to us as a guide and beacon in our human endeavors, whose real meaning seems to elude us today…
Pierre Hadot mainly dealt with ancient philosophy, especially neoplatonism, but what he will be most remembered for as a contemporary philosopher is his advocacy for the return of philosophy to its original meaning as it existed in Ancient Greece. It was the Greeks who coined the word philosophy, and their philosophy has reached our modern age through the Middle Ages. However, he warns that there is a deep gap between what was called philosophy in antiquity and today’s philosophy. Being a philosopher in antiquity meant not only engaging in philosophical debates. and developing philosophical theories, but rather to act inspired by them and enlightened by them. This attitude leads to inner transformation, shaping and perfecting one’s own life. Hadot believes that ancient philosophy, in which transformative action was key, was a “call to transformation for every individual”, because philosophy was primarily a practice of life, a practice of how to live and how to die.
Hadot constantly emphasizes that philosophers should be judged by how they live and what they do, not by what they say or write. He also reminds us that in ancient times, philosophers were called not only those who published something, but also those who lived a philosophical life. The best example of this is Socrates, who did not write anything, but whose life was the best confirmation of his teachings…
Philosophical speech as a spiritual exercise
Contemporary French philosopher Pierre Hadot brings vitality back to philosophy. He believes that philosophy is a practice, both in terms of inner dialogue that directs us, Both in terms of its practical and external, philosophical speech, it is a form of response to a question by taking a circuitous route, thoroughly familiarizing oneself with the subject of research. Philosophical speech thus transcends into a spiritual exercise that teaches sound reasoning and leads to the inner transformation of the individual.
Symposium
As an important part of ancient Greek culture, the symposium involved socializing with music and dance, as well as discussions about philosophy, love, poetry, music, politics, myths, and life issues. Poems were recited and hymns were sung in honor of the gods. Private conversations were considered inappropriate. Every speech was supposed to be delivered in front of everyone and with the appropriate measure.
About life, justice, proper treatment of others, and above all purity of heart. In a short interview, the author emphasizes the values of the Egyptian civilization as a model from which we can learn.
Sphinx
Sphinx is found in legends and stories that have inspired painters and sculptors of the ancient world from Egypt and Greece, through Mesopotamia, all the way to India and Indochina. The Sphinx is a symbol of human beings in the process of consciousness evolution that takes place through numerous reincarnations. It represents the struggle between humane elements on one side and animalistic, instinctual elements on the other. The wild Sphinx is a symbol of a person ruled by instincts, while the protective one represents a person who rules themselves, i.e. the victory of the human over the animal.
Giant Buildings
Ancient buildings that surprise us with the size and solidity of their stone blocks and the way they were constructed, in Western tradition, are attributed to the Cyclops. According to Greek mythology, this is a mythical human race. of gigantic stature who lived on Earth in ancient times. In this article, we provide only some examples of megalithic structures scattered around the world.
Exekias
Very little has been preserved from the paintings of ancient Greece, which is why vases are a valuable material source for studying Greek painting, as well as the overall life of the ancient Greeks. Vases were the work of potters and painters, some of whom even left their signatures, with the most famous among them being Exekias (550-525 BC). His works are characterized by details, precision, and clear composition.