Timeless Wisdom: Ancient Greek Philosophy in Dialogue with the World’s Religions

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A global lecture series from HCC-SW


Ancient Greek philosophy is more than history—it’s a shared language of ethics. Timeless Wisdom brings scholars and communities together to show how ideas from Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, the Stoics and others resonate with Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. The result: a clear, actionable framework of common values—a “lingua franca” that helps people of every faith (and none) connect more easily and build bridges across cultures.

Light, welcoming, and a bit funny—on purpose.

You don’t need to be a scholar to join us. Each talk is delivered in a light, humorous, and accessible style—perfect for newcomers and especially meaningful for fellow Greeks who never had a chance to meet the classics at school. Expect practical takeaways you can use right away—and first-class material for at-home conversations with your children

What to expect 

  • 53 sessions with leading professors worldwide, livestreamed in English (with captions) and available on demand.
  • Each lecture pairs a Greek value (e.g., paideia, dikaiosynē, phronēsis) with parallels in major religions, revealing the common denominator that unites us.
  • A concluding edited volume of transcripts—featuring lecturer bios and host-organization profiles—distributed to universities, cultural institutions, and public leaders.
  • Special thematic events (e.g., Olympic ideals and εὐγενής ἄμιλλα ahead of LA 2028) that translate timeless ethics into today’s civic life. 

Why it matters 

In an age of polarization, this series offers a standard set of humane, time-tested principles—integrity, justice, moderation, compassion, civic friendship—that can guide families, schools, and public life. It’s a chance to rediscover our inheritance and use it as common ground across faiths and civilizations. 

Who should join 

Students and teachers, parents and teens, clergy and community leaders, policy makers and professionals—anyone who wants to move beyond silos and work from shared values. 

Ways to participate 

  • Attend a live lecture (free registration).
  • Host a session through your university or community organization.
  • Nominate a lecturer or propose a topic.
  • Partner/Sponsor to expand access, translation, and publication.
  • Subscribe for updates on new talks, resources, and the final book.

Be part of the conversation that unites.
Together, we can show that a globalized value system already exists—clear enough to guide action, generous enough to welcome all.

 

Interested in hosting or partnering? Contact HCC-SW at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Full list of the Lectures.

 

As the different lectures will be scheduled, they will appear in the timeline. bookmark the page and come back for dates and times

Introduction: The Timeless Relevance of Ancient Greek Philosophy
  Lecture 1: Why Ancient Greek Philosophy Still Rocks in the Modern World
Preface to Part 1: Foundations of Personal Excellence
  Lecture 2: Socrates and the Art of Self-Examination
  Lecture 3: The Concept of Virtue in Ancient Philosophy
  Lecture 4: Plato on the Immortal Soul
  Lecture 5: The Golden Mean—Aristotle’s Guide to Balance
  Lecture 6: The Role of Friendship in a Flourishing Life
  Lecture 7: Stoicism and the Control of Emotions
  Lecture 8: Epicurus on Happiness and Simplicity
  Lecture 9: Epicurus on Death
  Lecture 10: Plato’s Allegory of the Cave
  Lecture 11: Self-Control and Temperance
  Lecture 12: The Concept of Eudaimonia—The Flourishing Life
  Lecture 13: Heraclitus and the Philosophy of Change
  Lecture 14: Plato on Love and Beauty
  Lecture 15: Aristotle on Practical Wisdom
  Lecture 16: Zeno and the Beginnings of Stoicism
  Lecture 17: Empedocles on the Four Elements
  Lecture 18: The Return to Ithaka as a Metaphor for the Return to One’s Value System
  Lecture 19: Ignorance Is the Greatest Sin – Why Education Is Sacred Across Civilizations
Part 2 Preface: Principles of Civic Life—Building a Just and Harmonious Society
  Lecture 20: Justice as the Foundation of Society
  Lecture 21: Aristotle on Citizenship and the Polis (Πόλις)
  Lecture 22: Aristotle’s Politics
  Lecture 23: Democracy and Freedom—Lessons from Athens
  Lecture 24: Courage as a Civic Virtue
  Lecture 25: Plato’s Philosopher-King
  Lecture 26: The Social Contract in Ancient Philosophy
  Lecture 27: The Role of Education in Civic Life
  Lecture 28: Equality and the Common Good
  Lecture 29: Freedom and Responsibility in Society
  Lecture 30: The Role of Family in Civic Life
  Lecture 31: The Role of Friendship in Civic Harmony
  Lecture 32: The Concept of Unity in Diversity
  Lecture 33: The Ethics of Wealth and Poverty
  Lecture 34: The Importance of Civic Education
  Lecture 35: The Sophists and the Power of Persuasion
  Lecture 36: The Sophists and the Relativity of Truth
  Lecture 37: Pythagoras and the Harmony of the Universe
  Lecture 37: (Standalone Special) - From Olympia to LA 2028 — Reviving Εὐγενής Ἄμιλλα in the Modern Olympic Movement
Part 3 Preface: Philosophy and Modern Life
  Lecture 39: Philosophy and Environmental Ethics
  Lecture 40: Democritus and the Philosophy of Atoms
  Lecture 41: Anaximander and the Infinite
  Lecture 42: Justice in the Globalized World
  Lecture 43: The Role of Art and Beauty in Society
  Lecture 44: The Concept of Time and Mortality
  Lecture 45: The Ethics of War and Peace
  Lecture 46: Philosophy and Happiness in a Material World
  Lecture 47: Dialectics in Dialogue: Learning through Debate
  Lecture 48: Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
  Lecture 49: The Role of Humor and Irony in Philosophy
  Lecture 50: Wisdom and Aging—Life Lessons from the Ancients
  Lecture 51: The Eternal Quest for Meaning
  Lecture 52: Hippocrates and the Ethical Foundations of Medicine
  Lecture 53: The Future of Ancient Philosophy
Part 4 Preface — Language, Translation, and the Oikoumenē Alexander’s Living Legacy
  Lecture 54 (Standalone Special): Alexander’s Language Legacy—Koinē Greek (Κοινή Ἑλληνική) as a Bridge of Civilizations
Epilogue: The Journey of Ancient Greek Philosophy Through Time and Faith