**Foundations Narratives: Homer and Murasaki**

The texts of Homer and Murasaki stand near the beginning of their literary traditions and became foundational narratives for their civilizations. Each served as a reservoir of values and models of human behavior, shaping how later generations imagined love and power, beauty and status, conflict and suffering. Through comparisons of political problem-solving, worldviews, the role of deities, conflict resolution, and decision-making, we will explore how two very different civilizations understood what it means to live a human life.

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This event is part of the NYC Philosophy & Psychology Readers Conference 2026. For full details please visit: [https://www.meetup.com/reading-philosophy/events/314020228/](https://www.meetup.com/reading-philosophy/events/314020228/)
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This room holds a maximum of 40 people seated or 74 people standing. It will be first come first served. If you cannot make it please update your RSVP to decline to allow others to use your space.
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sheryl  Harawitz

Ryan Bohman

NYC Philosophy and Psychology Readers Community

Philosophy and Psychology Readers Community Φ Ψ

Unpacking the most influential ideas from the past.

Unpacking Ideas Podcast

Science & Education

Book Club

Philosophy

Intellectual Discussions

Critical Thinking

Reading

Psychology

I was trained in developmental psychology but spent much of my career in research before finally settling into information technology. Since retiring, I’ve returned to a long-standing passion: studying and teaching the unfolding development of society as seen through ancient texts and archaeology.
What began as a personal pursuit has become a shared exploration with other curious learners. Together, we engage in deep, collaborative readings—not to find definitive answers, but to ask better questions. The texts I once thought I understood have taken on entirely new dimensions, reminding me that development doesn’t end—it simply shifts direction and emphasis.

Sheryl Harawitz