Longing for Wisdom
Author/Artist
Allyson Szabo
Reviewer
Brynneth
Publisher
Neos Alexandria
Price (GBP)
£15.99
Subject
History
Type
Non-Fiction Book
Purchase
Review
While many pagans may be aware of the three maxims carved in stone at the temple at Delphi (Know thyself, Nothing in excess and Surety brings ruin) there are, I learned from this book, at 147 such statements carved onto stele in front of a temple to Apollo.
In ‘Longing for Wisdom’ Szabo explores a selection of these statements. The maxims give some insight into Greek culture, which Szabo expands upon, offering historical context. This I found fascinating, and there is much to learn about the Hellenic world from this text. Having explained what a given maxim may have meant to the ancient Greeks, she then goes on to explore its relevance to modern American culture – all of it thoughtful and provocative, without being too dogmatic. There are suggestions for how a person might explore the issues raised in their own lives, and there are detailed footnotes and source information throughout.
It’s a book written very much for modern Hellenics who are not necessarily academics and as such strikes a good balance in being readable – it’s neither patronising, nor obscure and offers a lot of philosophy in ways that are easy to get to grips with. While the intended reader is Hellenic and American, I found much here that was resonant for me, British and Druidic as I am. Many of the ideas Szabo explores transcend culture and history. And as she is keen to point out, if you don’t agree with these wisdom teachings, then that disagreement can be a fruitful part of your own explorations. She offers her work as a place from which readers can make their own journeys and discoveries, not claiming to hold any absolute truth.
Well worth reading.
In ‘Longing for Wisdom’ Szabo explores a selection of these statements. The maxims give some insight into Greek culture, which Szabo expands upon, offering historical context. This I found fascinating, and there is much to learn about the Hellenic world from this text. Having explained what a given maxim may have meant to the ancient Greeks, she then goes on to explore its relevance to modern American culture – all of it thoughtful and provocative, without being too dogmatic. There are suggestions for how a person might explore the issues raised in their own lives, and there are detailed footnotes and source information throughout.
It’s a book written very much for modern Hellenics who are not necessarily academics and as such strikes a good balance in being readable – it’s neither patronising, nor obscure and offers a lot of philosophy in ways that are easy to get to grips with. While the intended reader is Hellenic and American, I found much here that was resonant for me, British and Druidic as I am. Many of the ideas Szabo explores transcend culture and history. And as she is keen to point out, if you don’t agree with these wisdom teachings, then that disagreement can be a fruitful part of your own explorations. She offers her work as a place from which readers can make their own journeys and discoveries, not claiming to hold any absolute truth.
Well worth reading.