Unveiling the life of Aspasia, we delve into the potency of debate and the transformative nature of collective learning. Her story, a testament to the power of discourse, illuminates the path to intellectual growth and societal progress.
Aspasia, a little-known female philosopher with the gift of persuasion, is rarely mentioned in history books.
She is one of the most influential philosophers in Athens, and was forced to leave her home in Miletus, now in modern-day Turkey, and found refuge in Athens
- Opened a salon where thinkers of the day gathered to discuss philosophy and current events, and taught rhetoric to young girls in Athens
Aspasia’s thinking strategies
Turning challenges into opportunities: She seized the freedom to design her life outside of traditional expectations, hosting her private salons and building her very own school for young girls
- Delighting in debate: She embraced debate as a powerful learning tool
- Establishing a knowledge-sharing hub: Her logic, debating skills, conversation, and eloquent speech attracted not only fellow philosophers but also artists and scientists, and her followers and supporters held significant positions of power in Athens
How to think like Aspasia
Embrace challenges and defy societal expectations
- Develop your power of persuasion
- Create or join a learning community
- Use your outsider status to defy expectations about what women can accomplish
- Be open minded to new ideas and fresh perspectives
