In 1957, a young Argentine Idealist, Jorge Livraga Rizzi, citizen of the world,
launched in his taxi a philosophical movement that would become the
International Organization New Acropolis (IONA), today active in over 50
countries.
This humanist movement was born of the need to give new life to the search for
wisdom that has touched so many human beings since the beginning of time.
The organization quickly defined itself as a school of philosophy “in the
classical manner.” Far from being nostalgic for the past, the forerunners of New
Acropolis wanted above all to give the movement a practical vocation, thus
taking up the classical ideal of philosophy as a way of life enabling
individuals to achieve the best within themselves.
“Acropolis” means high city, signalling the global philosophical aim to help
individuals build something elevated within themselves so that they can qualify
their action in the world.
The originality of this non-academic approach resides in its aim to cover all
areas of human life: art, science, spirituality, society…
If we judge a tree by its fruit, New Acropolis, through its activities in the
world, is fulfilling its promise.
If we were to speak with the director of any of the hundreds of IONA schools
around the world, we would undoubtedly meet a person who is resolutely focused
on the quest for just, intelligent action.
Always looking for the reasons behind things, Acropolitan philosophers do not
remain in a process of contemplation and speculation. In general, they have a
very keen sense of history and are determined to live their era fully, with all
of the challenges and opportunities it presents.
