It is not a joke. April 1 is the main day to celebrate the Gamma Tao and always a perfect occasion for me to go on a pilgrimage to places that have some historical relevance to its philosophy.
In previous years on this day I have visited Delphi and Rome. Now Europe is open for travel again, I am on a trip through Andalusia in Spain. I am particularly interested in the period Andalusia was an important intellectual centre where Islamic, Jewish and Christian thinkers shared their knowledge of ancient philosophy next to the wisdom of their own traditions.
This year, however, the celebration of Gamma Day is overshadowed by the war in Ukraine. The brutal invasion of the Russian army has shocked people around the world.
The Gamma Tao is only a philosophical compass for a personal way of life. It is not organized and will never become an institution. Therefore this website is not a platform for political statements. Until now I did my best not to include my own worldly opinions in this personal blogging section.
The whole idea of the Gamma Tao is that with the help of its principles everyone of good will be able to determine his or her own course of life.
Still, if we apply the principles of the Gamma Tao to the war in the Ukraine it is clear to which side the sympathy should go. The present behavior of Russian regime is totally out of proportion and showing a complete lack of compassion for the lives of a brother people.
And finally there is also the sunflower, a beautiful symbol that both the Ukraine and the Gamma Tao share.
The Russian attempt to conquer Ukrainian territory seems to be inspired by an outdated imperialist interpretation of history. Ideas of past greatness are potentially dangerous and anachronistic myths.
During my pilgrimage through Andalusia I will explore the historical myth of the Convivencia, the idea that Islamic Andalusia marked a tolerant age of diversity and cultural flourishing.
Historical myths are always simplifications. They do not take into account that human history is complex and multifaceted. The reality of Andalusia was certainly not so harmonious as the idea of Convivencia suggests.
On the other hand, as a grand idea for our modern interconnected world Convivencia seems to me a much more useful myth than romantic nineteenth century-style imperialism.
Let’s hope that peaceful coexistence (or the Soviet term: Мирное сосуществование) will soon prevail.
Happy Gamma Day!