Gigla Gonashvili’s PhD Work Presented in the Peace Cathedral

Gigla Gonashvili (PhD in philosophy from Bergische Universität Wuppertal and Université Toulouse) returned to Georgia after 9 years, 6 of which he spent writing his PhD thesis, examining the notion of the lived experience of thinking in Antonin Artaud and modern philosophy.

On October 19th, Gigla came to the Peace Cathedral to celebrate this milestone together with the congregation, and to share his knowledge and experience aquired through this years, living abroad.

Gigla spoke about the importance of understanding the stranger inside all of us, how ourself is hidden from us, and how this very condition can provide a ground for giving space for something new, a new arrangement between ‘me and the stranger in me’, ‘Just as the earth and the sky coexist without destroying one another’. Gigla exlpained how Artaud’s life overcame this chasm, and how this victory should inspire us, help us believe that we as individuals are not helpless.

This message, especially now, in this times marked with troubles and wars all over the world, marked with increasing crash down on civic society within Georgia, is so vital,  so important. We are not helpless and understanding ourselves deeper can be the thing that can provide inspiration and courage to overcome the feeling of helplesness.

Gigla also shared his insights, what he learned not only about the topic he researched, but throught the process of writing and working on his research. ‘I learned that beautiful ideas are not enough, one needs to work hard to bring these ideas to fruition’. He also explained how challenging it can be to find common ground with people you disagree with, but how important it is, nevertheless, to talk with people of different opinions, create space for relationships.

“It is hard to write, because when you write, you are alone” – Gigla explained that this difficult, but creative process can bring forth challenges in various areas, but it is a process that teaches you just as much and more.

And, once the process is finished, once the thesis is written, you discover that it is not the end, but a step towards many new beginnings. “Our work remains as inspiration to others, and as an opportunity for us to share this knowledge”.