Our International Symbol: A Compass for LifeWisdom for a Meaningful Life

Ancient roots. Modern meaning.

You’ve probably noticed our international logo. It’s not just a design; it’s a collection of timeless symbols from around the world that represent who we strive to be. It’s a visual reminder to seek truth, work hard, and treat others with respect.

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Why Symbols?

You might wonder, "Why does a school need a symbol?" The answer is actually very Chicago.

Think about the Chicago Bulls logo. When you see that red bull, you don't just see a drawing of a farm animal. You feel tenacity. You remember the history of the 90s. You feel a sense of power and drive.

Or think of the Chicago Flag. It’s just stripes and stars, but to us, it means resilience. It tells the story of the Great Fire and the rebuilding of the city.

Symbols are shorthand for values. They let us communicate big ideas without saying a word. That is exactly why New Acropolis uses symbols. Our emblem isn't magic; it’s a reminder. Just like a jersey reminds a team to play together, our symbol reminds us to live with purpose.

The Story Behind the Image

In this interview, Carlos Adelantado, the International President of New Acropolis, breaks down the history behind our emblem.

Note: The video is in Spanish with English subtitles.

Quick Video Summary: Don't have time to watch? Here is the "Chicago Translation" of what our symbol means:

The Eagle: Perspective. It reminds us to rise above the daily grind and see the "Big Picture."
The Torch: Philosophy. The fire of knowledge and the warmth of friendship.
The Axe: Work. It represents the ability to build, create, and clear a path forward.
The Feather: Justice. Based on the Egyptian symbol of Truth (Ma'at).
The Wheel: History. Moving forward constructively while learning from the past.

What We Stand For Since 1957, New Acropolis has been guided by three core principles. Here is what they mean in practice:

1. Fraternity (Unity in Diversity)

Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, but we are one human family. We respect diversity—race, religion, and background—but we focus on what unites us.

The Goal: To fight prejudice and build a community where everyone is judged by their character, not their labels.

2. Knowledge (Seeking Truth)

True knowledge goes beyond memorizing facts. We study the essential wisdom of humanity, bridging the gap between scientific precision and spiritual depth to find the common threads that bind them.

The Goal: To cultivate an open mind that seeks the causes behind things, rather than just accepting the effects.

3. Development (Be the Change)

You can't change the world if you don't change yourself. We believe every human being has huge latent potential. Through philosophy and volunteering, we work to unlock that potential.

The Goal: To become better, stronger, and more compassionate individuals.

A Global Community

New Acropolis Chicago isn't alone. We are part of an international federation present in over 50 countries. Whether you go to a center in Paris, Mumbai, or Ravenswood, Chicago, you will find the same spirit of inquiry and the same dedication to service.

Founded: 1957
Scope: 40,000+ volunteers worldwide
Status: Consultative Status with the United Nations (ECOSOC)

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