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What made Greeks so anxious?
Seminar Date: Thurs 13 Aug 2026 @ 7pm Melbourne
Location: Level 12, The Greek Centre, 168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Presenter: Dr Robert Nelson Language of Presentation: English
Entry: FREE |
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Abstract
The seminar will argue three points. First, the ancient Greeks didn’t have a concept of anxiety, even though there was always plenty to fear. Second, historically the idea of anxiety proceeds from a sense of care, not a sense of fear; and the agony of what deserves your care developed startlingly in the Christian epoch. Third, anxiety is mostly a Byzantine invention, because the doctrine of providence—replacing the pagan motif of fate—created more worry than reassurance. God’s grace is infinite but it may also be contingent on you being worthy of it. The responsibility for repentance is yours; and there is always pressure on your good faith before the God who knows your conscience.
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Dr Robert Nelson
Associate Professor Robert Nelson is Principal Honorary Fellow at Melbourne University. He trained in art history at La Trobe University with an MA in baroque art and PhD in Hellenistic art. Robert taught in Art, Design and Architecture at Monash University where he became Associate Dean Research & Graduate Studies. His most recent book is A visceral history of bread: from First-Nations Australia to Byzantium, museum of innocence, Mildura 2023; and his forthcoming title with Routledge is Byzantium from the inside out. Robert was art critic for The Age and the scene painter for Polixeni Papapetrou.
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Join us at The Greek Centre
This is an in-person only event, join us on Level 12, at The Greek Centre. Join our speaker at The Greek Centre, submit questions during the Q&A, and enjoy conversing after the presentation. We look forward to seeing you at The Greek Centre.
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Sponsors
During the course of the year considerable expenses are incurred in staging the seminars. In order to mitigate these costs individuals or organisations are invited to donate against a lecture of their choice. You too can donate for one or more seminars and (optionally) let your name or brand be known as a patron of culture to our members, visitors and followers, as well as the broader artistic and cultural community of Melbourne. Please email: info@greekcommunity.com.au or call 03 9662 2722. We thank the following corporate sponsors:
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See the Full 2026 Seminar Schedule
The Greek History and Culture Seminars are organised and hosted by The Greek Community of Melbourne and provide the opportunity for everyone to experience the long and fascinating history of Greece and Greek culture in its various forms and stages, aspects of which have formed the foundation of Western civilisation.
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The Greek Community of Melbourne is registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Non-Profits Commission ABN 14004258360
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