Wisdom Library

“We are formed by little scraps of wisdom.” ― Umberto Eco

“The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom.” — Isaac Asimov

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As outlined in our approach, Uplift integrates the best of modern science and ancient wisdom to help kids align with their inner compass. To this end, we’re collecting wisdom wherever it’s found — in mythology, philosophy, history, and scripture.

With this collection, you’ll give your kids a passport to the best of all traditions — an expansive source of inspiration for life.

Note: Many of these stories and passages are ideal for kids ages 7+, but we’ve included coloring pages for littles to keep their attention too. Also note that each prompt for reflection is completely optional. If it sparks conversation, great. If not, just focus on the stories.

Introduction & Pre-history

• Why This Collection Matters and How to Use It
• Wisdom Before Writing (bones, cave paintings, stars)

Sumeria & Egypt

• Sumeria: Gilgamesh, Inanna, Nanshe
• Egypt: Isis, Osiris, Horus

India (Hinduism)

• Early Scripture: Vedas, Upanishads
• Gods and Goddesses + The Ramayana 
• The Mahabharata, including the Bhagavad Gita
• Vedanta, Bhakti + a related tradition: Sikhism

Nepal (Early Buddhism)

• The Story of Siddhartha Gautama and Buddhist nuns
• The Teachings of the Buddha

China (The Three Teachings)

• Taoism: Lao Tzu, Zhuangzi
• Confucianism: Confucius, Mencius, Mothers, Mozi
• The Three Teachings, Chan Buddhism, Kuan Yin

Japan (Shinto, Zen)

• Shinto, Sei Shōnagon, Folk Tales
• Zen Buddhist Tales

Greece & Rome

• Mythology: Prometheus, Athena, Demeter
• The Iliad and the Odyssey
• Socrates, Plato
• Aristotle, Epicurus
• Stoicism

Canaan and Israel (Judaism)

• Genesis: Eve, Abraham, Jacob
• Exodus: Midwives, Mothers, Moses
• Israel: Ruth, David, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job

Jerusalem, Rome, and Europe (Christianity)

• The Story of Jesus
• The Parables of Jesus
• Early Christian & Pagan Conflicts: Paul, Plotinus, Hypatia
• Desert Mothers and Fathers + Philokalia
• Mystics: Hildegard of Bingen, Meister Eckhart, Giordano Bruno
• Mystics: Francis of Assisi, Clare of Assisi, Julian of Norwich, Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross

The Middle East (Islam)

Americas

• Native America, Inuit
• Mesoamerica, South America
• African American Wisdom
• The Transcendentalists

Africa and Oceania

• African Mythology: Ananse, Eshu, Kwasi
• Oceania and Southeast Asia: Maui, Tane, Asin

Worldwide