Wise Up this Fall at the Rubin

This fall at the Rubin, experts from a variety of fields will tackle the difficult concept of wisdom and why it still matters in our era of information overload. The Wisdom Matrix series will consist of on-stage conversations and immersive experiences and film screenings, inviting visitors to personally reflect on their own definitions of wisdom.

Wisdom Talks

True wisdom is very distinct from simple information or knowledge, but it’s also hard to define. A variety of speakers will offer their ideas and interpretations this fall.

In November, the actress and activist Mia Farrow shares some realizations from later in life with Broadway playwright and director James Lapine in a freewheeling conversation about the truths gathered on one’s life-path.

In December, psychologist Karl Pillemer will sit down with Tao Porchon Lynch, who marched with Mahatma Gandhi in the 1930 Salt March, helped Jews escape the Nazis as a French Resistance fighter during World War II, walked with Martin Luther King, and at 98, is still teaching yoga. Pillemer and audience members will find out what wisdom Lynch can share about leading a happy life.

Other guest speakers include actor Steve Buscemi; author and former “The Ethicist” column writer Randy Cohen; creator, executive producer, and star of Broad City, Ilana Glazer; NPR’s Krista Tippett; and more. Find out what advice these speakers have to share and whether or not they consider themselves “wise.”

Wisdom Films

If you’re more of a movie-goer, then you should attend the U.S. premiere of InnSæi: the Power of Intuition, a soul-searching, global journey to uncover the art about connection in today’s world of distraction, separation, and stress.

Or, you can attend a Friday-night Cabaret Cinema film screening, featuring films all about “The Getting of Wisdom,” like Meetings with Remarkable Men, The Thief of Baghdad, Onibaba, and Lost Horizon. Tickets to these weekly screenings are only $10.00 and free for members.

Wisdom Experiences

For a truly unconventional experience, try the Mirror Meditation workshop on September 12. Mirror meditation is quite literally an exercise in self-reflection. Scientists are finding that gazing at one’s reflection in the mirror without an agenda reduces stress, anxiety, and depression and increases self-compassion. Tara Well, a professor of psychology at Barnard College and Columbia University, leads this special, after-hours experience.

On September 22, wander the galleries to find some of New York’s most inspiring dance artists in the galleries. The evening of Body Wisdom will invite visitors to contemplate the body as a vehicle for wisdom and transformation.

Wise up about Wisdom this fall! View all upcoming programs in The Wisdom Matrix series.