Today we talk about Ancient Greek Philosophy, Science and Psychotherapy, a book by Nicolas Archontulis published with our publishing house Europe Books.
Europe Books had the pleasure of interviewing the author Nicolas Archontulis to get to know him better, when and why he decided to write his book Ancient Greek Philosophy, Science and Psychotherapy as well as the sensations he felt by reading his personal life and work experience on the pages of his book.
Below you can find our interview. Take a seat and enjoy your reading!!!
- When and why did you decide to write your book?
When: I started writing the book in Greek in the fall of 2023 and finished it in English a year later. Before the final phase, I wrote various essays and presentations which of course served me later in the final phase. Why? Instead of giving you a linear explanation, I prefer to formulate the question differently: What were the forces that pushed me to make this difficult decision to write the book. In the 90s, I used to read a lot of philosophy mainly because I needed to keep in touch with ancient Greek, which is the beautiful mother of today’s modern Greek. I was always feeling pleasure reading books with both texts (ancient and modern Greek) in parallel but I didn’t know why. Over time, however, I realized that these texts were a treasure and could be used in my practice as a psychotherapist! Later, when I started writing those essays in Spanish. I was invited to Mexico giving lectures and seminars on these topics. It was then that I got many suggestions from colleagues mainly from Mexico to write a book on the subject. And, finally, after many attempts, I managed to establish structures and discipline and wrote the book.
- What sensations did you feel by ‘reading’ your personal life and work experience on the pages of your book?
I feel the book is a kind of professional biography. When I read certain parts, it is as if I am reliving my experiences from reading the ancient texts. How these people came to such reasonings and conclusions that are still relevant and useful today. I relive the success of applying philosophy to patients or students in the workshops. The satisfaction that I shared with my students and patients was immense. I relive the feelings of how wonderful it is to find ways to help your fellow human beings overcome life’s problems. I also remember the disappointment after the failed attempts to write the book. I had then reached the point of consciously giving up because frustration was causing me anxiety. And yet, I might had given up consciously, but from what I understood the book existed in my subconscious and… lived its own life, beyond my will! So, I sat down and started writing it, this time systematically and with discipline. It took me about 7 months to write it. I loved it as if it were a baby that needed my care. Now that it has been published, the “baby” has grown and I am left with the nostalgia of that era.
- What would you like to hear from your readers?
First, to be read! The book may be specialized, but it is addressed to all those who are interested in the topics of philosophy, science, psychology and mythology and, of course, understanding life and relationships. Many times, philosophy and psychology books exclude many readers because they are written in a language that is addressed to students and/or experts in the subjects. I tried to avoid this specialized language as much as I could and, also, to give explanations understandable to everyone when I was obliged to use terms. What I would like to hear is that they read it and found it understandable as well as enjoyable. I would also like to hear from readers that it created in them the need to delve deeper seeking knowledge. Also, that they learned new things that could help them understand themselves and improve the quality of their lives. This is possible, because the book, in addition to theories, contains practices, as well as exercises. The famous “know thyself” applies to everyday life and to the awareness of “here and now” where we live. Yet, the greatest satisfaction I will feel is to hear from readers that it has helped them in their lives.
- What was the first book you read and what did it teach you?
The book by the Greek author Menelaos Lountemis “a child counts the stars”. It was published in 1956 and I read it when I was very young. It marked my soul. It’s the story of Melios, a young boy, all alone, orphaned and of course very poor. The child has to work in order to survive but thirsts for knowledge and school. His employer isn’t pleased about it because he wants him only to work. However, Melios runs away from the village, goes to school in the city and there another struggle for survival and school begins. He meets adults who are also struggling to survive. They help him by sharing a plate of beans with him or whatever they find and, of course, kindness. The book contains many values that took root in me and shaped me as a character. I believe that at young age we make choices that affect us throughout our lives. In those years there were many orphaned children due to World War II and the subsequent civil war in Greece (1946-1949). I always remember with emotion the heroes of this book. The books of this author were banned during the dictatorship in Greece (1967-1974). Melios was always my hero.
- Are you planning to write more books you can tell us about?
I feel that mythology and its importance in everyday life and psychology/psychotherapy did not get the space it deserved in this book. The beautiful thing about mythology is that it can be read as narratives or fairy tales. That is how I first got to know it, being fascinated by the feats of Hercules, Theseus (he killed the Minotaur), Odysseus, Achilles, Hector and others. However, behind these stories there are archetypes that are repeated even today without us giving them the necessary attention. In order to be able to see these archetypes, however, you need to decipher the message of the myth. For example, why did Medea turn her wrath on her children! The tale of Perseus and Andromeda! There are many who have dealt with these mythical stories and Freud was the first with the Oedipus complex. I am a psychotherapist. It would be a great help to find other similar archetypes that will help us all.I believe that knowledge, in order to stay alive and evolve, needs to be exchanged among us. I have thoughts of writing something more about the usefulness of mythology in relationships and consequently in therapies. I also hope to be a source of inspiration for others.
Europe Books thanks the author Nicolas Archontulis once again for taking the time and answering our questions. We are really pleased to have walked alongside him on the editorial path that led to the publication of his book Ancient Greek Philosophy, Science and Psychotherapy. We wish him the best of luck for his book and for his future works.
To you, my readers, I hope you find this book enjoyable and that it allows you to gain new insights into your life, so that you can apply them to live it to the fullest.
So, my dear reader, all I have to say is to enjoy your reading!
Your editor!