Wisdom for the 21st century
Stories by Eldar Sofer
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Crafting Wisdom adapted to
Why?
We live in an age full of intelligence: artificial intelligence, smart phones, smart cars, smart homes etc. But where is the wisdom?
Technology evolved too fast, and wisdom didn't catch up yet. It's about time it does. Tools like the Internet, AI or Blockchain can bring us together, make us smarter and safeguard our freedoms, but they can just as well create a dystopian future if we don't use them wisely. Our intelligence creates the tools, and our wisdom should dictate how we use them.
How?
I write stories because they give emotion and soul to otherwise cold ideas. They say an image is worth a thousand words; likewise, a story is worth a thousand maxims. From one story, we each can draw our own unique interpretations and lessons that resonate with us. If the Ancients crafted myths to vehicle wisdom that was passed down countless generations, it's because stories are so powerful. My tales aim at being like those myths, drawing new lessons from old times.
Time for Axial Age 2.0
Around the 5th century BCE, something major happened: most of the world wisdom was written down. Everywhere, and all at once. In Greece, Socrates and Plato gave birth to Western philosophy; in Babylon, the exiled Judeans wrote the Torah; in Iran, Zarathustra was teaching the Avesta; In India, the great Hindu epics were written and the Buddha came; in China, Confucius and Laozi shaped Chinese thought for millennia to come... This 5th century wisdom explosion event is called the Axial Age. What Socrates, Zarathustra or Laozi wrote still applies today, but they didn't have the Internet, or AI, or globalization. So now is the time for the Axial Age 2.0! We should not replace ancient wisdom, but update it. Through my tales, I hope to contribute to this Axial Age 2.0.
Read my stories
A few stories I can share. More are on the way...
Master Gu-Tzu
In Ancient China, renowned master Gu-Tzu can give pilgrims anything they desire. A potion to cure any ailment of the body or soul, a sword to cut through steel like flesh, an invisibility blanket... The old master alchemist can produce it all, never asking for any money in return. Yet he does require something else in return, something seemingly benign, but perhaps more valuable than money, and much more powerful...
Yantra
In the great Indian kingdom of Magadha, people don't need to work anymore, as the Yantras, powerful and intelligent machines, were created to be better soldiers, farmers, doctors... Only the Brahmins haven't let the Yantras take their place, and hold absolute power by maintaining the people in debilitating idleness. Alone against the Brahmins, princess Gargi refuses to live an idle, meaningless life. But the Yantras won't make a rebellion easy...
The Golden Prince
The fabulously rich ruler of Mali, Mansa Musa, gives away gold in abundance to everyone on his way to Mecca. But his young son, prince Maghan, senses this gold won't make people happy for long...
Contact me
Have any feedback about my stories? Wish to collaborate? Don't hesitate to reach out!