Meanings and Actions with the completion of the One-day Convention of Stegi of Welfare & Excellence

Through the work of the One-day Convention of Stegi of Welfare and Excellence, we reflected on how the possibility exists, through the cultivation of philosophical virtues, to approach the “welfare” (~well-being) experientially and to obtain answers to issues raised by the “dystopia of the times”.

The Convention was held at the Conference and Cultural Center of Heraklion, with the Support of the Region of Crete and the Collaboration of the Laboratory of Philosophical Counseling and Philosophy of Self-Knowledge of the National Kapodistrian University of Athens, on December 22, 2024. The essential and meaningful presentations received rave reviews and they were recognized for their innovation, both by attendees and by those who watched on our YouTube channel.

It was pointed out that, in the current reality of the socio-economic and cultural crisis, the disruption of the objective measures of the values of life, the technological revolution that is happening and producing events at a rapid pace, it is imperative to seek solutions as a defense and an antipode.

It was revealed that:

• · Philosophical Counseling is the education, practice and guidance of the person who seeks help to be free from his anxieties, his exhaustions and his inner questions.
• · Philosophical life, virtuous life, puts us in the perspective of self-realization of our potential and of our happiness, it is the life based on the conscious cultivation of virtues and it is daily work with ourselves.

• The cultivation of virtues is founded on two principles:
  • First principle: I observe, think, ponder, convert my entrenched beliefs and move from subjective opinion to what is closest to knowledge and right. To discern what is the fairest way to interact with myself and with others. What choices benefit myself and at the same time do not harm others. They are virtues of saneness and prudence.
  • Second principle: I put into practice, in my everyday life, the result of my reasoning. What reasoning has shown me to be more correct, beneficial, therefore just, not only for myself but for others also, I put into practice with valor. These are virtues of valor and of “practice by habit.” Thinking “sculpts” the mind, daily action “sculpts” the emotion.
• Aristotle’s reasoning offers a timeless model for enhancing human critical thinking, necessary as a basis for developing an active and conscious attitude in a digital world moving at blistering speed.
  
• Thought and knowledge, not the information that human may imitate, must prevail over the technological revolution that is taking place. How can we talk about knowledge, if ultimately due to the volume of information human over time often fails to organize, connect and utilize it?
• Taking responsibility, friendship as support, understanding and respect, solidarity as cooperation, equality and justice, valor as an act of wise choice, are virtues that put the school community in the perspective of fulfilling its purpose.
• The cultivation of philosophical virtues in children, as from Plutarch’s work “On Children’s Education” emerges, the encouragement to excellence as supremacy in all areas of a child’s life, is a timely, feasible and viable proposal for parents, teachers and educators in general.
• The modern human experiences the excesses and the deficiencies within his psyche. Ancient Greek Philosophy, as well as the modern science of Psychology, supports that managing our emotional moods and choices, based on the search for moderation within ourselves, is achievable and that moderation can be cultivated so that we become more mentally resilient to the challenges of life.
• The humanity’s school is required at a time when the hope for the future is children and teenagers of today. With the excellent cooperation of educated and virtuous parents, teachers and children, the concept of the school of humanity can be redefined. In this school, philosophy is essential. The primary concern will be the formation of complete and virtuous people and subsequently functional and altruistic citizens.
• Aesop’s fables remain unchanged over time, acting as beacons of wisdom that inspire young and old people, highlighting virtues that can shape a better world.
• Since ancient times, the Arts have contributed to the spiritual and emotional development of human.

The convention closed with a short performance, inspired by the Myth of Plato’s Cave. Young and old friends of Stegi performed it kinetically on stage.

Virtue comes into the cave as a philosopher. The captives do not see her. Little children, who represent – what good – people inherently carry, recognize virtue and she recognizes them too. Children “call” some of the captives to the path of virtue.

They embrace each other with emotion; This declares their intention to work together, in the prospect of freeing themselves from their bonds in order to get out of the cave. Friends of Stegi, musicians and songwriters, praised the joy of virtue’s coming.