Try Applied Philosophy!
“As you set out for Ithaka,
hope your road is a long one,
full of adventure, full of discovery…
Keep Ithaka always in your mind.
Arriving there is what you’re destined for.”
— C. P. Cavafy, Ithaka (inspired by Homer’s Odyssey)
Why does the Odyssey – a nearly 3,000-year-old story – continue to captivate us today?
It is often remembered as a tale of adventure – a story of monsters, shipwrecks, temptations, moments of weakness, and a hero’s long struggle to return home. Yet beneath its epic narrative lies something deeply human: the experience of falling and rising again, of losing our way and rediscovering direction, of overcoming challenges, and of making difficult choices in order to remain true to ourselves.
Like many heroes of ancient myth, Odysseus is repeatedly tested. His journey reminds us that the hero is not someone who never struggles, but someone who continues to confront difficulties, make mistakes, learn through experience, and discover renewed strength. In this sense, the hero’s journey speaks to a timeless possibility within every human being: to discover more deeply who we are and what we are capable of becoming.
Through a thought-provoking talk and engaging discussions, we will explore some of the archetypes, symbols, and “traps” that Odysseus encounters along his journey and what they may reveal about our experiences and questions that touch our inner life:
– What is our direction? What causes us to lose it?
– What distracts us from what truly matters?
– How do we respond when life does not unfold as we hoped? How can we meet life’s trials with greater calm, clarity, courage, and awareness?
Together, let’s explore deeper questions of identity and purpose, the part within us that longs to grow, and what it might mean to become the Captain of our Soul – to remain true to ourselves, navigate life more consciously, and better understand ourselves and others!
No prior reading of the Odyssey or knowledge of philosophy is needed – just an open mind and heart!
At the close of the workshop, we will also share details about the Fall session of our 12-week Applied Philosophy course
Come share in this special opportunity with other seekers of wisdom and allow the Odyssey to open a window into the mystery of the human soul. Let’s discover the Odysseus within – and the practical insights this ancient story will offer about your own life!
Keep Ithaka always in your mind.
Arriving there is what you’re destined for!
We look forward to meeting you!
Volunteers of New Acropolis Toronto
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EVENT DETAILS:
ποΈ Tickets: Online ticket purchase required
π Arrival: Doors open at 10:40 a.m. — our volunteers will welcome you at the entrance. The workshop begins at 11 a.m., so we encourage you to arrive early to check in and settle in.
π Location: The workshop will be held at 192 Spadina Avenue on the Third Floor. You can use the stairs or the elevator (just a heads up—it is cozy and sometimes a bit slow).
πͺͺ Check-In: Have your Eventbrite ticket handy (with your name and barcode). For security, tickets must include your full name, and ID may be requested.
π What to Bring: A pen and notebook—perfect for jotting down insights and reflections you will want to remember.
β Questions? Email us anytime at toronto@newacropolis.ca.
π± Last-minute help: On the day of the workshop, the best way to reach us would be by texting 647-317-1416.