Greek Myths for a post-truth world

What can ancient Greek myths teach us about the troubles and challenges of our post-truth times?

Environmental degradation, mass migration, war, inequality, exclusion, authoritarianism, and perplexing technological possibilities have been enduring themes since ancient times. Using some of his favourite myths as points of departure, Yiannis Gabriel invites us to think and experience the world we inhabit mythologically – to engage with emotions and symbolism that lurk inside old texts and to consider the different courses of action – individual and collective – they open up.

When meaning is so precarious and fragmented, Greek myths not only act as fountains of meaning, but also have a therapeutic power, helping us to face the future with greater fortitude and giving us the practical wisdom that we so badly need in the 21st century.

Yiannis Gabriel, a Greek social psychologist, is Professor Emeritus at Bath University, UK, and Visiting Professor at Lund University, Sweden. He has had a life-long fascination with stories and myths which have played a large part in his research on leadership, organisational politics and culture and consumer studies. He is the author of 14 books and his latest book Greek Myths for a Post-truth World will be published by Bloomsbury Press in October 2024.