I will be in Florence next week to record my new course on Philosophy as the Art of Living. The course brings together some of the greatest thinkers of 2500 years of European Philosophy who thought deeply about this question. halkyonacademy.com/p/philoso…

How and why did we cheapen the sacred vessel of the mummy to an object of horror and cheap thrill? Join archeologist Carla Berenice this Tuesday and find out. Register for our free webinar here: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi…

Nolan’s true subversion of the Odyssey is its Christianisation. youtu.be/Ou7ThRaCvUE?is=OPRb…

We're opening early enrolment for our Egyptian Cosmology course tomorrow! Download the syllabus today so we can email you tomorrow with all details. halkyonacademy.com/p/egyptia…

“All men have need of the gods.” Homer

For nearly three thousand years, people have returned to The Odyssey not because it’s merely a classic, but because it speaks to something permanent in us. It’s a story about home, temptation, suffering, endurance, wisdom, and the long journey of becoming who we are. This seminar is an invitation to read Homer slowly, carefully, and in good company—from the first line to the last. One thing worth knowing: I’ll only teach this seminar once. Enrolment closes in a few days. If you’ve been meaning to join us, now’s the time. I’d be delighted to have you aboard. halkyonacademy.com/p/homer-t…

I often get asked where to begin with philosophy. So I’ve put together a reading list to guide you a bit and also help you build your own library. halkyonacademy.com/p/niederh…

As we approach the summer months, Arcadia awaits you! The mythic Kingfisher may take you there, if you are open to it. Our focus at Halkyon will be as ever close reading of fundamental texts and communal study. Today, we want to share with you where the doors will take you, if you brave to enter! Or in less poetic terms: here is our upcoming summer term programme. We will offer a course on The Odyssey and another one on Egyptian Metaphysics. Both courses will take place online, allowing our growing global community to gather without geographical barriers. However, these are not passive, pre-recorded lectures. Each course is built around live, real-time seminars where we will engage in direct dialogue, close textual analysis, and shared inquiry. Here is a first look at the areas we will investigate: 1. The Odyssey: Exile, Homecoming, and the Human Condition (Click Here to Secure Your Seat - almost full halkyonacademy.teachable.com…) Homer’s epic is far more than an ancient adventure story; it is a profound psychological and philosophical map of the human experience. In this seminar series, we will slow down to read the text closely, moving past surface-level plot to examine the deeper structures of the epic. The Long Return: Exploring the concept of nostos (homecoming) and what it means to rebuild an identity after trauma and prolonged absence. Hospitality and Hostility: Analyzing the ethical codes of xenia (guest-friendship) that govern the Homeric world. Memory and Oblivion: Investigating the tension between the desire to be remembered (kleos) and the temptation to forget our purpose. 2. Egyptian Meaning-Making and Metaphysics This is going to be exciting. New Halkyon Fellow Carla Berenice Groh will teach an absolutely fascinating and unique course beginning in mid August on the intellectual legacy of the Ancient Egypt. Often viewed through the lens of modern archaeology, its sophisticated philosophical systems deserve to be met on their own terms. This course offers a rigorous deep dive into the metaphysical architecture of ancient Egypt, exploring how this civilisation structured reality, time, and human purpose. The Concept of Ma'at: Understanding the cosmic principle of truth, balance, justice, and order that informed both statecraft and personal ethics. Symbol and Reality: Moving beyond literalism to decode the symbolic language, sacred geometry, and mythic narratives of Egyptian thought. The Architecture of the Cosmos: Examining Egyptian views on the afterlife, the cyclical nature of time, and the transformation of consciousness.

Plato's Republic concludes with the Myth of Er in which also Odysseus plays a prominent role. When his soul is asked how it wants to be reborn, if at all, after some reflection Odysseus decides to be a simple man without claim to fame and honour. Because he has suffered unlike many others Odysseus comes to reflect on the meaning of life. He realises that a life lived for seemingly eternal fame and honour is not worth it. Plato here once more shows his quality as a myth-maker while we also learn that myth was alive for the Greeks. From his memory and reflecting upon it, Odysseus knows that his over-bearing suffering and the suffering he inflicted upon the world also caused great injustice. Odysseus thus here reaches full paideia: he becomes the well-rounded and -spirited man he was always to be thanks to his reflection on the memory of his suffering.

Enrolment for my course on Homer’s Odyssey opens next week! Register your interest via link below. Places are filling in pre-enrolment already

This is happening. Get on the list now. Early enrolment opens in a few weeks. halkyonguild.org/odyssey

Only this weekend! 25% off all our courses

Summer Sale is on! But only this weekend! 25% off all philosophy courses.

It is here! It is definitely not queer! But will make you gay in the proper sense of the word — The Halkyon Philosophy Academy Summer Sale! You've all been waiting for it. Act now — 25% off all courses for only limited time. Use coupon code HALCYONSUMMER at the checkout here: halkyonacademy.teachable.com