Institute of World Culture (IWC) September Study Circle

Sept 8, 2026 On Labor and Luxury by Leo Tolstoy
To celebrate Labor Day and Tolstoy’s birth anniversary, the Circle will consider Tolstoy’s assertion that the aristocracy should work: “And the deeds which will reconcile these contradictions are those modest, imperceptible, apparently ridiculous ones, the serving oneself, physical labor for one’s self, and, if possible, for others also, which we rich people must do, if we understand the wretchedness, the unscrupulousness, and the danger of the position into which we have drifted.”
– Leo Tolstoy

Sept 15, 2026 Ganesh, Remover of Obstacles
In the Hindu tradition, Ganesha represents the vital link between focused effort, wisdom, and the removal of obstacles. Rather than replacing human labor, he is invoked to clear the path for purposeful work, teaching that intelligent endeavor paired with inner discipline leads to true success.

Sept 22, 2026 Spiritual Dignity of Labor by Simone Weil
How can Simone Weil’s idea of the spiritual dignity of labor be used to counteract contemporary thoughtlessness: “We glide seamlessly between Slack pings, automated calendar updates, and the algorithmic matching of the gig economy, yet our underlying civic architecture is collapsing. The modern corporate grid relies entirely on absolute speed and a total lack of friction.” – Unknown

Sept 29, 2026 The Only Way Through is Through
We will look at the poetry of young people today who are finding hope in personal and collective acts of accountability. “In a world that sometimes seems to reward the noisiest and the most aggressive, the wealthiest and the most selfish, these young poets understand something at once simple and profound that I think many adults have forgotten: Hope is not optimism. It’s endurance.” – Sean Murphy

In-Person and via Zoom.  Contact donna@worldculture.org for a link to join via Zoom
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