On Saturday, March 1st, 2025, New Acropolis India Pune Branch hosted a talk titled “Homer’s Odyssey – A Timeless Voyage of Self-Discovery,” led by Yaron Barzilay, the National Director of New Acropolis India (North). The event saw 51 participants engage in a deep exploration of the themes within Homer’s Odyssey, one of the most iconic works in classical Greek literature.
The speaker took the audience on a journey through the mythology of The Odyssey, narrating the epic tale of Odysseus’ ten-year-long journey back to his homeland of Ithaca after the Trojan War. He vividly described the numerous mythological figures Odysseus encounters, such as the Lotus Eaters, Cyclops, Sirens, and the enchanting Calypso.
He emphasized that mythology is not merely a collection of stories, but rather a profound vehicle for awakening essential human principles that may have been forgotten over time. Each myth holds a key to understanding deeper truths about ourselves. The speaker linked Odysseus’ long journey to the human journey of self-discovery, referring to the process as “Know Thyself” he explained that just as Odysseus undergoes transformation on his way home, so too do individuals transform as they seek to understand their true selves and reclaim their identity.
Drawing parallels between mythology and philosophy, the speaker suggested that philosophy, much like Odysseus’ journey, involves navigating challenges that ultimately lead to personal transformation. .
Through philosophical reflection and the application of these ancient stories, humans have the opportunity to find paths toward growth and improvement.
The event concluded with a rich discussion on the relevance of these timeless lessons in today’s world, inspiring attendees to reflect on their own personal journeys of self-discovery.
