For the Love of Wisdom

In today’s busy world, hardly anyone has time to consider taking up a philosophy class and most probably never go beyond the stereotypes associated with the ancient science. Through its “Dare Philosophy 101” classes, El Madrasa organization attempts to introduce average Joes to the world of philosophy and break down the elitist stereotypes associated with it. So get your books out, head out to Maadi and get ready for school: if you have one hour to spare every week, make sure to check out this course. Philosophy, literally meaning the love of wisdom, has far more to offer than the stereotypical images it conjures up. And no, it is not just tons and tons of pages bearing the preaching of an old man with disheveled hair and a pipe who spent his life behind dusty books studying philosophy. For Marouan Moussa, the founder of El Madrasa, philosophy doesn’t stop at books and words, and it apparently doesn’t even require a college degree to learn and muster — and this is exactly why the course is open to anyone who’s interested. “Loving wisdom is a right for all,” he says as he introduces the session. It's not surprising then, to learn that Moussa, a computer science graduate, has never had a degree in philosophy. But being a ‘wisdom lover’ he wanted to spread his passion to everyone and take it beyond classroom specializations. The two-month class introduces students to various debates and questions on knowledge, wisdom and information. As Moussa explains, the course has nothing to do with the philosophy that is taught in schools and in universities. “The course's aim is not cultural entertainment or simply adding more to one's knowledge, but it has the same aim as philosophy itself; to start finding the way to authentic happiness through the love of wisdom and through the teachings of philosophers from around the world,” he says. Back to School Around 20 people were gathered in the modern apartment in Zahraa El Maadi to attend the introductory session of the class.  The classroom was filled with the scent of lemony incense and oriental-Pharaonic music in the background.  With a diverse group of men and women, ranging from doctors to students and professionals from various sectors, the majority of people attending were in their 20’s. The attendants all seemed to have different reasons for signing up to the ocurse. One attendee said he was here to understand himself better while another said he was there for empowerment. “I came because I have too many questions about why I have to do and follow certain things,” said a student in her 20s. The attendees’ answers all seem to fit Moussa’s definition of a philosopher; as he puts it, a philosopher is not already wise. “A philosopher tries to become wise,” something apparently many students in the classroom were trying to become. “Dare Philosophy 101” starts at El Madrasa Maadi branch from January 11 every Wednesday for two months. LE 200. Address: El Madrasa, 9 "Villat el Kasr", Zahraa Street, Zahraa El Maadi, Helwan For inquiries call: (011) 46310-310, visit www.elmadrasa.org or email phi101@elmadrasa.org