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Tag Archives: New Year

Achieving Your Goals: Advice from the Ancients

Written by Lydia Serrant, Contributing Writer, Classical Wisdom “If a thing is humanly possible, consider it within your reach” –Marcus Aurelius In early April around 4,000 years ago, the Babylonians held civilization’s first-recorded New Year celebration. To the ancient Babylonians, New Year’s resolutions and traditions were extrinsically motivated. During the 12-day new year festival, new

Saturnalia: The Party don’t Stop

by Anya Leonard Catullus (XIV) describes it as “the best of days.” Seneca complains that the “whole mob has let itself go in pleasures” (Epistles, XVIII.3). Pliny the Younger writes that he retired to his room while the rest of the household celebrated (Epistles, II.17.24). It was a time when people rejoiced, visited friends, gave