On November 21st, New Acropolis Brussels welcomed a numerous audience to Harold Gueibe’s captivating lecture on the little-known connections between Stoicism and Taoism. The auditorium, filled with philosophy enthusiasts, wisdom seekers, and curious minds, was transported through centuries to discover how these two philosophical currents, born in distinct geographical and historical contexts, offer valuable tools for facing the challenges of our time.  This conference is part of World Philosophy Day, promoted by UNESCO. New Acropolis Brussels organizes a philoweek within this international framework every year.

Harold began his presentation by introducing us to the foundations of Stoicism, evoking the iconic figures of Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius. He then explored the key principles of Taoism through the teachings of Laozi and Zhuangzi. Far from simply juxtaposing these two philosophies, the speaker highlighted their remarkable commonalities, including their emphasis on cultivating inner peace, accepting impermanence, and the importance of living in harmony with the world.

One of the highlights of the conference was the practical approach adopted by Harold Gueibe. He presented concrete techniques for integrating the teachings of Stoicism and Taoism into our daily lives. Participants were thus able to discover how to implement these philosophies to develop their resilience in the face of difficulties, cultivate gratitude, and strengthen their relationships with others.

The discussions that followed the conference were particularly rich. The audience, visibly enthusiastic, asked the speaker numerous questions, demonstrating the interest generated by this topic. The discussions covered topics as varied as meditation, stress management, the meaning of life, and the place of the individual in the world.

In short, this conference was a resounding success. Harold managed to make these ancient philosophies accessible and relevant to our contemporary world. By inviting us to turn to the sages of Antiquity, he offered us keys to leading a more serene and fulfilling life.