
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
***
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
Sumeria & Egypt
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)
China (The Three Teachings)
- Taoism: Lao Tzu, Zhuangzi
- Confucianism: Confucius, Mencius, Mothers, Mozi
- The Three Teachings, Chan Buddhism, Kuan Yin
Japan (Shinto, Zen)
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)
European Stories and Philosophy
Americas
Africa and Oceania
Worldwide
- Baháʼu’lláh, Kahlil Gibran, Krishnamurti, Thich Nhat Hanh (forthcoming)
- Jack Kornfield, Mirabai Starr, Pema Chodron (forthcoming)
- Thomas Keating, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Audre Lorde (forthcoming)
Wisdom Listed By Tradition
We also have pulled selections from various traditions, listed roughly by number of adherents.
Get a sample lesson + weekly insights.