Showing 277 articles
The Hero’s Journey of the 21st Century
Author: Julian PoweAugust 13, 2026
In our fractured times, we can all assuredly bear witness to the heroic contributions of some of our fellow human beings: friends, family and community members who are building for the common good, overcoming adversity, bringing people together and instilling hope. We all carry heroes from the past in our souls – for me, Socrates [...]
Towards Unity Through Diversity (Part 1)
Author: Fernand SchwarzAugust 13, 2026
We know from systems theory or evolutionary ecology that the degree of greatest development of a system(an ecosystem, for example) is defined by its level of diversity, which is strongest in the face of changes and distortions when it is at its highest level. All the species that form part of the system contribute to [...]
Are Wars Necessary?
Author: Sabine LeitnerJuly 31, 2026
As if we did not already have enough wars, the year 2026 has brought an explosion of further conflicts: millions more people displaced; homes, hospitals and vital infrastructure reduced to rubble; an economic impact that will probably be felt for years; not even mentioning the death of innocent civilians, amongst them many children. Why are [...]
Simone Weil: Attention, Compassion and the Power of Force
Author: Julian PoweJuly 31, 2026
“A philosopher and interested in humanity” were among Simone Weil’s last words, responding to her doctor’s inquiry about who she was and what she did for a living. She had been laid low in Ashford sanatorium in England by her exhausting efforts in service of de Gaulle’s Free French, her tuberculosis, her history of poor [...]
The Samurai and the Spirit of Bushido
Author: Julian ScottJuly 31, 2026
I was inspired to write this article after visiting an exhibition on the samurai at the British Museum. Paradoxically for an exhibition about warriors, and much to my surprise, I emerged with a strong feeling of joyful peace and serenity, effects which I attribute to the sheer beauty of some of the paintings and artefacts [...]
Have We Reached the End of History?
Author: Istvan OrbanJuly 23, 2026
In 1992, after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the political philosopher Francis Fukuyama wrote a highly influential book, The End of History and The Last Man. He claimed that “what we may be witnessing is not just the end of the Cold War, or the passing of a particular period of postwar history, but [...]
Emperor Julian: Apostate or Hero of Philosophy? – Part 2
Author: Stjepan PalajsaJuly 23, 2026
In Part 1 we saw the biography of this extraordinary but forgotten figure of Roman history. This article concludes with an examination of Julian’s philosophical ideas and inner life. A soul incapable of feeling fear Julian followed the great philosophical ideas under the guidance of his teachers, with a particular focus on ethical ideas. These [...]
Emperor Julian: Apostate or Hero of Philosophy? – Part 1
Author: Stjepan PalajsaJuly 23, 2026
The dust of oblivion has erased the memory of one of the greatest figures in European history, whose ideas and work left a profound mark on the world: the Roman Emperor Julian, named ‘the Apostate’ by the Christians to whom his memory was anathema. By the 4th century AD, Rome had almost completely exhausted its [...]
The Comacine Masters
Author: Agostino DominiciMarch 28, 2026
I have always been fascinated by the tradition of sacred masonry, which throughout the ages has left us many remarkable and inspiring buildings. I am thinking especially of those medieval builders who assumed the role of architect-priests, carrying on an ancient tradition that goes back to Imhotep himself (circa 2700 BCE) – the famous priest, [...]
The crisis of authority
Author: Sabine LeitnerMarch 28, 2026
It seems that respect for authority is declining in many parts of the world. In 2001 half of all Americans said that they trusted the government to do what is right always or most of the time. In 2023, only 16% said the same. Hardly a day passes by without news about some abuse of [...]
The ‘Houses of Life’ – the Wisdom and Mystery Schools in Ancient Egypt
Author: Sabine LeitnerMarch 28, 2026
I will never forget a very well-educated friend of mine who once said, with a hint of contempt in his voice, that the Egyptians didn’t have philosophy. He claimed they weren’t worth studying, and this is a view I have heard more than once – that Western civilization was born entirely of Greek and Roman [...]
Precision Engineering in Predynastic Egypt
Author: Florimond KrinsFebruary 28, 2026
Ancient Egypt remains a place of wonder and mystery, from the beautiful temple complexes to the impressive pyramids that have survived the test of time. One could spend years studying the great pyramids of the Giza plateau and observe the amazing achievements of the ancient Egyptians. But in this article, I want to focus on [...]