The Hermetica are a body of theological-philosophical texts written in late antiquity, but long believed to be much older. Their supposed author, Hermes Trismegistus, was thought to be a contemporary of Moses, and the Hermetic philosophy was regarded as an ancient theology, parallel to the received wisdom of the Bible.
Toward Wisdom addresses the nature of wisdom, humanity’s need for it, and ways and means of developing it.
The situation the world faces today is extremely complex. Long-cherished values have begun to conflict with each other: material comfort vs. an uncontaminated world; economic growth now vs. economic well-being for our grandchildren. Toward Wisdom takes the position that the only way to make the world a better place is to make it a wiser place. Wisdom is no longer an option or a frill. We, and the world, need wisdom-based analyses of our problems followed by wisdom-based action.
In the past, becoming wise was left to chance; a few people became wise before they died, but most did not. This lackadaisical approach will no longer do. Wisdom can be developed intentionally, and Toward Wisdom shows us how. The book examines some of the key impediments to wisdom — what they are, how they work, how they came to be — and introduces us to techniques for getting beyond them.
About the Author
Copthorne Macdonald is a writer, independent scholar, and former communication systems engineer. He writes about wisdom, personal growth, the nature of reality, and creating a sustainable future. His published works include six books (two on the subject of wisdom) and over 130 articles, reviews, and column installments.Cop is also the owner of the biggest Wisdom website on the net called The Wisdom Page which is a website dedicated to helping us better understand wisdom — that vitally important but poorly understood pinnacle of human functioning.
This post is part of the ‘Ancient Egyptian Wisdom’ series, please read the following first part: Ancient Egyptian Wisdom: Egypt – Source of All Knowledge and Wisdom?
As we continue our mysterious but magical journey through ancient Egypt, we now come to a man who completely revolutionised the spiritual thinking and knowledge of his people and culture.
Akhenaten, who was a Pharaoh and sage of his times, has been mostly ignored in modern times. However, Akhenaten’s wisdom, and the religious influence he had on ancient thought, have not been forgotten.
Description:
Wisdom Bible is a collection of the greatest spiritual and philosophical classics from ancient Daoism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Platonism, Epicureanism, Stoicism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Whole texts are included, but only selections from the Qur’an. The four Gospels are synthesized into one narrative combining all the elements.About the Author:
Sanderson Beck earned a B.A. in Dramatic Art from UC Berkeley, an M.A. in Religious Studies from UCSB, and a Ph.D. in Philosophy from World University. He has taught dozens of college courses in philosophy, psychology, world civilization, etc. He is the author of numerous books, including the HISTORY OF PEACE and the ETHICS OF CIVILIZATION series as well as translating and editing the WISDOM BIBLE. He has been active in the world peace movement since 1982 and is president and founder of World Peace Communications. He was a presidential candidate in 2003 until he endorsed Dennis Kucinich.Paperback/Hardback: 920 pages
Publisher: World Peace Communications
Publishing Date: May 2002
Leo Tolstoy was a spiritual man of much wisdom and expressed his own version of unorthodox Christianity through his writings, which championed social justice, pacifism and various moral causes in his life.
In a series of posts, I will be hoping to share with you selected writings of Leo Tolstoy which I think will both enlighten you with the true Christian values, and how, most importantly, you can apply these wise teachings in this, seemingly, corrupt world we now find ourselves.
Starting with the Leo Tolstoy essay ‘Thou Shalt Not Kill’ written in 1900, which argues the case for us all to embrace and uphold the inspirational teachings of Jesus Christ. This essay was especially directed at two competing powers in Europe at the time; namely, the State and the religion of orthodox Christianity.
The imperative Commandment of ‘Thou Shalt Not Kill’, of which Tolstoy’s essay is titled, obviously implies for us in general not to engage in violence and murder in any way shape or form, such as in retribution, revenge and, most heinous of all, war. Read more…
There have been a number of English translations of the Gita, from the first effort of Charles Wilkins, in India, in 1785, up to the present time. Some are very good, others indifferent, and others actually misleading and causing confusion. Some of these translations have evidently been made by persons inclining to certain schools of philosophy and the meaning, as colored by their own philosophical glasses, while most satisfactory to them and their followers, is distracting to those outside the pale, who have had the opportunity of comparing the various editions.
This particular edition, issued by us, is not a new translation, but rather a compilation from the best of the various good translations of Hindu and English translators, some of which are now out of print, or inaccessible to the general public. The compiler has endeavored to give the spirit of the teachings, in a plain, practical, understandable form, adapted to the requirements and needs of the English speaking reader, although such a presentation has often necessitated the sacrifice of any attempt at literary merit. In fact this book makes no claim whatsoever to literary style. It merely seeks to carry the Message contained within its pages, in plain words and simple form, to those who are ready for it.
A Wisdom blog sharing a beneficial resource of inspirational words of wisdom, philosophy, and enlightening knowledge for the truth seeker. Containing the author's own philosophy of life as well as wisdom-related links to articles, free ebooks, videos and documentaries to educate, liberate and improve one's mind.
Learn more about Knowledge Reform
