On World Philosophy Day, New Acropolis London held an event entitled “Unity in Diversity: Are there common answers to some universal questions?”

Six different speakers presented short talks on the following themes:

• The nature of reality
• The human condition
• Ethics and moral conduct
• The path to transformation or liberation
• The meaning and purpose of life
• The importance of myths, symbols and rituals

Due to time constraints, the aim was not to make an exhaustive analysis of each topic, but rather, in the spirit of World Philosophy Day, to stimulate thought in the listeners and give some philosophical keys that could be applied in everyday living.

We discovered, for example, the difference between meaning and purpose, and the many different approaches to the meaning of life, from nihilism to mysticism; or what different philosophers – from Plato, Buddha and Confucius, to Kant, Hume and Hannah Arendt – have said about the human condition and the nature of reality.

In the interval between the talks and at the end of the evening, there was an animated atmosphere of philosophical dialogue in our cafeteria, where attendees and speakers could also enjoy delicious food whilst exchanging thoughts and ideas on the different topics discussed.

The event was held at the New Acropolis centre in Islington, London, and was attended by over 60 participants.