We are a school of Philosophy.
We promote Culture.
We practice Volunteering.
The Living Philosophy Course Program
School of Philosophy in the Classical Tradition
The School of Philosophy is the most important part of New Acropolis's work. We see it as a way of life, a way to gain spiritual knowledge and achieve individual and collective objectives.
This School of Philosophy has a Program of Studies that is the same in all countries and is taught in levels. It gives a new twist on the old knowledge of the East and West, which, according to classical humanism, compares the study of sciences, arts, religions, and philosophies.
Every theme is meant to be useful, inspiring, and life-changing, helping you apply timeless wisdom to your daily life in Chicago and the world.
The 3 Core Pillars
1
Ethics
(The Individual)
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Focus: Psychology, Self-Awareness, and Inner Strength.
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Goal: To master oneself.
2
Sociopolitics
(The Community)
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Focus: Justice, Leadership, and Coexistence.
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Goal: To live well with others.
3
Philosophy of History
(The Future)
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Focus: Cycles of Time, Myths, and Legacy.
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Goal: To build a better future.
Part 1: Ethics & The Inner Warrior
Every great adventure begins within. In our classes, this theme is central: learning to recognize the many layers of who we are — our thoughts, emotions, instincts, and higher aspirations. To develop ourselves is to bring out the best of ourselves. Self-realization requires that we truly know ourselves, that we recognize our different elements, and learn how to make the right decisions. Without this inner work, we risk drifting wherever life pushes us. But when we develop an inner compass through philosophy, we begin to live with clarity, strength, and purpose. This is not abstract theory. It is a practical journey. Philosophy is the art of living, an adventure that calls us to cultivate virtues, transform weaknesses into strengths, and face life’s challenges as opportunities to grow.
The Journey Within: Know Yourself
Happiness is not found outside of us — it begins within. In this class, we explore what it truly means to know ourselves by examining the different elements of human nature: body, emotions, mind, and beyond. We ask timeless questions: What is the human being? How do we live an authentic and fulfilling life? By studying the seven dimensions of the human being, we learn to harmonize our inner world and align our actions with our higher purpose. Through philosophy, we discover that self-knowledge is more than theory. It is a path of practice that helps us grow in wisdom, transform our character, and bring out our best qualities in daily life.
The Bhagavad Gita: The Inner Battle
Every human being carries a battlefield within. Our greatest struggles are not against others but against our own fears, doubts, and weaknesses. To live with integrity, we must learn to master ourselves. In this class, we draw wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita, one of India’s most profound philosophical texts. Through its teachings, we explore concepts like karma, dharma, and reincarnation, and what it means to fulfill our unique role in life. The question at the heart of this journey is simple yet powerful: What is the right action? By seeking this answer, we begin to awaken the inner warrior who acts with courage, discipline, and clarity — not just for personal success, but in service of something greater.
The Wisdom of the Buddha: Overcoming Suffering
Every human being searches for happiness, yet suffering seems to follow us at every turn. Why do we suffer, and what can we do about it? In this class, we explore the life and teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, who devoted his journey to answering these timeless questions. He revealed the importance of the Middle Way, a path that avoids extremes and helps us find the right balance in life. Through reflection and practice, we learn how to recognize the roots of our suffering and how wisdom can transform it into understanding, compassion, and inner freedom. This is not just about Buddhism — it is about discovering practical tools to live with greater peace, clarity, and purpose.
Voice of the Silence: Focusing the Mind
Our mind is our greatest ally, but it can also be our greatest obstacle. Thoughts race, doubts cloud, and distractions scatter our focus. Before we can truly live with wisdom, we must learn to master this tool and direct it toward what really matters. In this class, we explore the timeless teachings of Tibet and the writings of Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, one of the great modern philosophers who opened the doors to Eastern wisdom for the West. Her work The Voice of the Silence is a guidebook for the inner traveler — a manual for those who seek clarity, stillness, and purpose on the path of life. This class helps us see the mind not as an enemy, but as a powerful instrument. By training it, we gain freedom: the freedom to choose, to focus, and to walk the path of inner strength with confidence.
Part 2: Living Together in Society
Life is not meant to be lived alone. Every day we share spaces, struggles, and dreams with others. To live together peacefully is not always easy, but it is one of the greatest challenges and opportunities of being human. True growth cannot happen in isolation. We discover our strengths and values through our relationships with others. Society becomes a mirror where we learn to give, to cooperate, and to build something greater than ourselves. Leadership is not about power, it is about responsibility. A true leader inspires by example, using their best qualities to guide others toward a brighter future. But before we can lead others, we must first learn to lead ourselves with self-discipline, fairness, and courage. Philosophy offers practical tools to cultivate this way of living. It teaches us how to listen, how to work in harmony, and how to rise above division. To live together well is both an art and a discipline, and it has the power to transform our communities and our world.
Confucius & China: Order and Harmony
What makes a society truly just? Ancient Chinese philosophy teaches us that the answer begins within each person. Before there can be harmony in the family, in the community, or in the state, there must first be harmony in the individual. In this class, we study the teachings of Confucius and other great Chinese sages who saw politics not as a game of power, but as the reflection of personal ethics. Their vision of a “harmonious society” was built on integrity, respect, and the idea that real equality comes from virtue, not uniformity. By applying these lessons today, we begin to see how justice and cooperation are cultivated — not through rules alone, but through the character of the people who live by them. This timeless wisdom challenges us to be more than just citizens; it calls us to be examples of fairness, balance, and humanity in the world around us.
Ancient Egypt: Justice (Ma’at)
What does it mean to live in a just society? The ancient Egyptians saw justice not only as laws or rules, but as a cosmic principle called Ma’at — truth, balance, and harmony that kept the world in order. In this class, we explore how justice begins with finding our right place in life, and how society flourishes when individuals act with fairness and integrity. We also confront big questions: Is hierarchy good or bad? How can order exist without oppression? Ancient Egypt teaches us that justice is more than punishment or legality. It is the foundation of a balanced life, a healthy society, and a world where everyone contributes to the greater good.
Plato’s Republic: The Cave & Freedom
What is real, and what is illusion? Plato’s famous allegory of the cave challenges us to question the shadows on the wall and search for the deeper truths that shape our lives. To answer this, we must look honestly at the state of both the individual and society. Are we truly free, or are we trapped by social conditioning, media influence, and manipulation? This class explores the role of the philosopher and the politician — how wisdom and leadership can transform the world, and how critical thinking protects us from deception. Understanding Plato’s Cave is not only an intellectual exercise. It is a call to wake up, to step out of the cave, and to live with clarity and courage in a world that often confuses appearance with reality.
The Stoics: Resilience in Chaos
Life often throws challenges our way, and the Stoics teach us how to face them with clarity, courage, and calm. For the Stoics, philosophy was not theory but a daily practice — a way to train the mind and heart to live in harmony with reality. Through figures like Marcus Aurelius, the philosopher-king, we learn that true strength lies in resilience, discipline, and compassion. The Stoics remind us that while we cannot control everything that happens, we can always choose how we respond. This class explores the timeless tools of Stoicism — from cultivating willpower and resilience to applying practical wisdom in our everyday lives. It is a philosophy of inclusion, self-mastery, and human dignity that remains just as relevant today as it was in ancient Rome.
Part 3: Mastering Time & History
The future is not something that simply happens to us. It is something we create through our choices, our vision, and our actions. To build a better tomorrow, we must first understand where we come from and where we stand today. History is more than a record of events. It is a guide that reveals patterns, lessons, and timeless truths about human nature. By learning from the successes and failures of the past, we gain the wisdom to avoid repeating mistakes and the clarity to chart a sustainable path forward. Philosophy of history invites us to see ourselves as active participants in this great story. Each individual carries a responsibility to contribute to the world we will leave behind. The future begins with us, here and now, when we choose to act with awareness and purpose.
The Cycles of History
Life moves in rhythms. Just as day turns into night and spring blossoms after winter, human history also unfolds in cycles. Civilizations rise, flourish, and decline, only for new cultures and ideas to emerge in their place. To understand our role in shaping the future, we must learn to see these larger patterns. Ancient traditions — from Hindu cosmology to Plato’s vision of the Great Year — remind us that history is not random, but moves with a deeper order. In this class, we explore how recognizing these cycles can help us face today’s challenges with perspective. Each of us has a unique role to play in the times we live in, and by aligning with the rhythms of nature and history, we can act with greater harmony, wisdom, and responsibility.
The Hero’s Journey & Myth
Every human being carries a battlefield within. Our greatest struggles are not against others but against our own fears, doubts, and weaknesses. To live with integrity, we must learn to master ourselves. In this class, we draw wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita, one of India’s most profound philosophical texts. Through its teachings, we explore concepts like karma, dharma, and reincarnation, and what it means to fulfill our unique role in life. The question at the heart of this journey is simple yet powerful: What is the right action? By seeking this answer, we begin to awaken the inner warrior who acts with courage, discipline, and clarity — not just for personal success, but in service of something greater.
Learning from the Past
History is more than dates and events — it is a mirror that reflects who we are today. If we wish to build a sustainable future, we must first understand the paths that led us here. The mistakes of the past are valuable lessons, helping us avoid repeating the same patterns of conflict, injustice, or decline. In this class, we explore the rise and fall of civilizations, from the glory of Rome to the challenges of our own times. What caused cultures to flourish, and what led them to collapse? More importantly, what wisdom can we carry forward to guide our present and shape our future? By studying history through a philosophical lens, we discover that experience is not only a record of the past but also a motor for growth — a source of knowledge that can inspire better choices for tomorrow.
Not Just Theory: Practical Psychology Labs
Philosophy is a contact sport. In every class, we engage in "Psychology Labs"—simple exercises to train the mind.
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Attention: Learning to focus without distraction.
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Memory: Retaining what matters.
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Imagination: Visualizing solutions.
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Emotional Regulation: Staying calm under pressure.
What Comes Next?
The Introductory Course is just the beginning. Graduates can access our Advanced Studies Program, diving deeper into:
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Comparative Religion
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Psychology & Oratory
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Eastern Esotericism
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And joining our volunteer teams.
