Tamar Gendler, Yale dean, explores ancient secrets, new insights
Unlock the secrets to a more fulfilling life with Tamar Gendler, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Yale University, as she presents “Ancient Secrets to Modern Happiness” on Wednesday, March 19 at 4:30 p.m. at the auditorium at the Boca Grande Community Center.
Gendler’s dynamic lecture explores how the profound insights of ancient philosophers – Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, and Epictetus – remain remarkably relevant in our contemporary world. Rather than focusing solely on definitive answers, she celebrates the power of philosophical inquiry, emphasizing that “very often the question is more interesting than coming up with the answer.”
Drawing inspiration from Socrates’ famous recognition of his own ignorance, Gendler delves into the complexities of self-knowledge through compelling experiments. Discover the surprising results of studies on social behavior, such as: The “Eyes vs. Flowers” Milk Experiment: Learn how subtle visual cues influenced people’s honesty in a British workplace.
The “Apple Choice” Study: Uncover the hidden biases that shape our seemingly rational decisions.
These experiments illustrate the enduring relevance of Socratic principles, demonstrating how our understanding of reason and reflection can illuminate our own lives. Gendler will also illuminate familiar concepts, such as Epictetus’s philosophy of self-reliance, which echoes in today’s Serenity Prayer, and introduce fresh perspectives that challenge our understanding of the world.
“This is without a doubt the most interesting, soul-searching, and learning experience I have had in a long while,” says Roger Lewis, whose “Picks” feature this event. “The second time I watched Tamar talk, I had a notebook ready so I could remember everything she said about how the ancient philosophers could improve my life.”
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with timeless wisdom and discover new paths to happiness.
“Ancient Secrets to Modern Happiness” with Tamar Gendler on Wednesday, March 19, 4:30 p.m., at the Boca Grande Community center, 131 1st St. W. To purchase tickets, contact the Friends of Boca Grande at 941-964-0827 or friendsofbocagrande.org.
