Philosophy has always been the source of a new Art of Living. This Art of Living
is expressed through every facet of a rich personal and collective culture,
leading to a rapprochement between individuals and peoples – as lived within New
Acropolis.
Culture is therefore not a set series of information in books that relate a past
for which we are nostalgic. Culture lives through each and every individual who
is evolving. People demonstrate their culture when they integrate into their
daily lives the best expressions of harmonious human intelligence, the highest
humanist values.
In this sense, every year the International Organization New Acropolis (IONA)
holds its general assembly in a different country, bringing together
participants from each of the 50 countries where New Acropolis volunteers are
active.
It is an opportunity to take stock of the past year and
to identify shared guiding principles for the years to come. The general
assembly is also a key time to discuss, exchange, reinforce and reaffirm the
need to develop philosophy in the classical manner in each country.
This year’s general assembly, held in El Salvador, adopted a resolution ratified
by the representatives of every country. The 2008 resolution states the
following, among other things:
“The General Assembly reaffirms its intention to continue to work for the
development of Philosophy as a way of life (...) It will also continue to act in
the field of culture since (…) the cultural expressions of humanity provide a
foundation for better human relationships (…) and a greater rapprochement among
nations.”
Working concretely in this direction, every year the volunteers of New Acropolis
Canada organize several philosophical cultural activities in the form of
workshops, lectures, theatrical representations, martial arts, ecological
actions, poetry contests, etc.
Culture is thus the expression, in every aspect of life, of a quality
philosophical experience. It is as natural for philosophers to offer the best of
themselves to the world as it is for a stream to flow down a mountain toward the
sea, giving life along the way.
New Acropolis is the preferred forum for Citizens of the World, for all those
who want to act industriously and concretely to improve our society. Whatever
our trade, our profession, our age or our social condition, philosophy should be
made a priority because it determines the meaning of all of our actions.
Philosophy as an Art of Living is undoubtedly the foundation for a living
culture.
