by Christos Zambounis

“The only problem with beauty is that we become so complacent that we believe no further effort is required,” writes Lena Paparrigopoulou on page 21 of her book The Power of My Illness. As a crowned beauty (Star Hellas 2002), she is entitled to speak on the subject. Moreover, as her work demonstrates, she did not rest on her laurels.
After completing her degree in Social Theology and her postgraduate studies (MSc) in Philosophy, Religious Studies, and Sociology, she published The Stoic Philosophy of Religion in 2020 and embarked on a long journey of self-knowledge. This journey first led her to Hawaii and later to Tahiti, where she lived for several years.
Without losing touch with her Greek identity, she engaged with universal human issues such as loneliness, friendship, jealousy, insecurity, self-love, inner openness, childhood, boredom, Spirit, Love, the fear of survival, and, of course, eros.
“Eros is a lie of the mind.”
“We need eros. That is why we usually mirror ourselves onto the object of our desire.”
“Eros, as it has been served to us—by society and romantic films—lasts only as long as it remains unfulfilled.”
“Eros is part of the human illness.”
I quote a few of her thoughts at random. How wonderful it is to read books that make you think!

P.S. Without a doubt, the standout chapter is Jealousy – Friendship 1–0.