Sisters to host ‘Evolution of Wisdom Thought’ series

Join the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, and Indiana State University Professor Emeritus Dr. Arthur Feinsod virtually or in-person for the upcoming five-part series, “Evolution of Wisdom.”

The first session will take place on Saturday, Feb. 17, in the Havlik Center at Providence Spirituality & Conference Center and will explore “The Epic of Gilgamesh.” All of the sessions will take place from 9:30-11:30 a.m., EDT.

The first class will introduce the concept of wisdom in general and examine what has come to be known as “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” the Sumerian classic found on cuneiform tablets chronicling King Gilgamesh’s quest for immortality after the death of his best friend Enkidu.

Sister Paula Damiano, SP, said wisdom thought has evolved in so many ways since “The Epic of Gilgamesh.”

“It has remained similar or even the same, though, to the 20th century,” Sister Paula said. “Each society – and the religions it has fostered – has produced its own unique form of wisdom while, at the same time, deriving from and building on some of the same or similar ethical and spiritual principles that have come before it.”

The four remaining classes will explore:

• Marcus Aurelius and Dag Hammarskjold (Saturday, March 9),
• Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (Saturday, April 27), and
• Viktor Frank’s “Man’s Search for Meaning” (Saturday, May 18).

“While it would be especially useful to attend all or most of the five classes, each session is free standing enough to be taken and valued individually,” Sister Paula added. “And while it would also be extra-satisfying to read the assigned short classics on which lectures are based beforehand, it is not a prerequisite since Dr. Feinsod will summarize the relevant works and provide enough context and references not to necessitate doing the reading ahead.”

All attending are asked to read the translation of Gilgamesh by Stephen Mitchell. Cost is between $10-11 new but it can be purchased at a less expensive price through Amazon.

Cost to attend each class is $25. For more information, click here or contact 812-535-2952 or provctr@spsmw.org.