NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

The past hundred years have seen a rapid rise in the pace at which technology has changed and affected our lives. We have discovered countless solutions to reduce suffering, increase efficiency, and cheat old age. However, has this progress led to increased happiness, or made our lives any more meaningful?

Perhaps somewhere along the way, we have confused our means with our goals. Perhaps somewhere along the way, we have surrendered our most glorious attribute, our inner freedom to express our true selves through the practice of Virtues. Virtues are the essence of our character, the natural qualities of the divine that exist within every human being. Yet they remain astonishingly unexplored. We have ingeniously learnt to imitate nature, but remain blind to the values that governs her every facet. We investigate history and archeology, but dismiss ancient civilizations as primitive, unable even to conceive, let alone express, these virtues.

With this issue of The Acropolitan we explore the values and virtues that have remained unchanged through human history. Whether we look to nature for inspiration, or to Scientists and Artists who devote their lives to unravel the secrets of life, it is clear that the solutions transcend geographical, ethnic, and cultural boundaries.

ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE

Biomimicry: Human Creation Inspired By Nature

April 1, 2015

By Flora Bittencourt Detanico

Nature is a source of inspiration for humanity and has always been a mirror to humankind – where the finest works of art and architecture are inspired. The ability of nature to combine beauty, economy and functionality is incomparable and it is not a coincidence that the great inventions through history have their origins in analogous natural elements. The concept of Biomimicry, widely approached by contemporary science, consists of analyzing natural systems and reproducing its principles in solutions, and become outstanding contributions to society.

Leading a Fulfilling Life

April 1, 2015

By Delia Steinberg Guzman

We sometimes ask ourselves: what is life? What does it mean, for a philosopher, to live?
The special mode of existence that has been afflicting the human being over the last few centuries has made us forget certain simple but important values, while their place has been taken by meaningless elements. This is why it is so difficult to define what life is.

It goes without saying that life is much more than having a body and trying to satisfy all its fleeting desires, controlling it very little and ineffectively, and most of the time ending up as its slave.

The Way of the Warrior

April 1, 2015

By Kurush Dordi

Amidst the vibrant mythological tradition of Japan emerges an interesting story of creation that speaks of deities Izanami and Isanagi, who were instructed by the primordial gods to dip a spear into the celestial ocean. As they withdrew the spear, the drops that trickled off its blade, are said to have created the islands of Japan. Was this perhaps the beginning of what would later influence the famed warrior spirit of the Samurai in Japan?

Thebes – Book Review

April 1, 2015

By Manjula Nanavati

Perhaps no other civilization captures the imagination of intellectuals and dilettantes alike, as does Ancient Egypt. Arguably one of the earliest, longest lasting and most influential civilizations of history, it is recognized for its stupendous artistic, scientific, social, and spiritual achievements. In this slim volume Livraga gives us a penetrating and reflective insight into Ancient Egypt, its highly developed culture, its enigmatic symbols and its sacred philosophy.

Inner Freedom

April 1, 2015

By Guner Orucu

Freedom is a concept that has always preoccupied mankind. We all want to be free; but free from what? Do we really know what kind of freedom we are looking for or how we can reach that freedom?

We are going to use philosophy to investigate and to understand freedom with an emphasis on inner freedom, which is more important and valuable than the physical freedom that is popular today. Inner freedom is the freedom of our mind, emotions, and actions. What are those forces, which prevent us from finding inner freedom? What are the factors which prevent our free thinking, free feeling and free action?

Can the End Really Justify the Means?

April 1, 2015

By Yaron Barzilay

Often when we come across this phrase, it is meant to emphasise the importance of bottom line results, disregarding the means used to achieve them, as if the path of our actions isn’t important at all; only the outcome is. Sometimes it is used in order to justify an unethical act with regards to a right cause, or even a noble ideal.

Practically, one may say that a small evil is acceptable, in order to prevent a greater one, or to bring some good. But what starts with good intention may easily grow into an undesirable reality; planting the seed of a certain tree can’t result in a different type of tree, no matter how much we wish for it.

The Practice of Philosophy

April 1, 2015

By Fernando Schwarz

Philosophy, or love of wisdom, is not something abstract. It’s about how to understand life better and therefore how to live better, individually and collectively.

We all have something deep within ourselves, but sometimes we’re afraid to look for it. It’s like diving within yourself to look for the inner gold. You need courage to dive into the water, because there are many fears: the fear of drowning, of strong currents, of dangerous fish, and so on.

Custodians of Culture, in conversation with Padmashri Shekhar Sen

April 1, 2015

By Harianto Mehta

Padmashri Shekhar Sen, accomplished actor, singer, lyricist, and music director, is perhaps most celebrated for his unique mono-act theatrical renditions, through which he brings to life master poet-philosophers Tulisdas, Kabir, Surdas, and Vivekananda. Last February, New Acropolis (Mumbai) had the privilege to host an evening performance of a medley of Shekhar ji’s moving works. Ever since, I have been longing for an opportunity to unravel the man behind the masks. Seated on the cozy sofa of his Versova home, over a hot cup of masala tea, the opportunity presented itself. Delightedly looking back at his visit to the Centre he shares, “Any place I go that I sense is truly spiritual is very special for me. In a place like New Acropolis, where so much good is fostered, I just hoped to absorb some profound inspiration, like baby Krishna steals away butter!” Our conversation naturally arrived at unraveling the true role of an artist in society, and Shekhar ji playfully wove poetry and rhyme into his evocative explanations.