"Let Right Be Done." Ethical standards imposed for 'doing right without fear or favor, affection or ill-will' relates to a judge who must be independent and impartial and not afraid to do what is right for the cause of justice."
Magna Carta 1215

At the L’accademia Areté, founded on the word Areté, first coined by Plato to mean excellence, our goal is to instill strength, trust and unity in each person to achieve their own excellence and full potential while shedding light on meaningful relationships and reflecting the true self.

When the great philosopher Plato searched for a unique haven to teach, he gathered his students under the Sycamore tree because no ordinary classroom would do. He was reasonably sure that he could foster unity and learning among his students under this strong tree which might grow up to 100 feet tall.

Plato believed that "When the mind is thinking, it is talking to itself."

The professional staff at the L’accademia Areté has created the modern-day haven of personal growth and learning to help people reach beyond ordinary solutions and unify and support people with dialogue and communication challenges.

With mighty branches hanging down, the Sycamore tree gave respite to Plato's weary students, so they felt the wisdom and strength of their great teacher and trusted his teachings. Likewise, Hippocrates II, the Father of Medicine, taught human anatomy under the Sycamore tree.

What is it about this tree that the great philosophers chose to construct a learning environment so long ago?
The philosophy of the L’accademia Areté mirrors the great philosophers' ideas about coaching people in a strong, trusting environment. You can accomplish lasting results through the wisdom of years of our experienced facilitators who build impartial and independent alliances between rivals without legal intervention.

The Sycamore tree holds this ideal of excellence, Areté, with its strong, deep roots in the ground; its tall stature dependent on the earth it grows in; and its sprawling branches shared by many creatures. It does not, however, reproduce by itself; it needs help with the planting process.

Our trained mediators and negotiators with thousands of hours in mediation and negotiation give you the gentle support you need to rise to difficult tests of personal and professional judgments, and subsequently, reap wisdom in the process.

The Egyptians recognized the Sycamore as their sacred Tree of Life. The Sycamore reveals many mysteries of the self when willing to be vulnerable to self-exposure.

The L’accademia Areté searches for healing and justice for the scourges of daily stresses due to broken down communication, business disputes and global trade with its changing cultural environments, racial and ethnic differences, or hidden work practices.

So what do the great philosophers and the Sycamore tree have to do with the L’accademia Areté?
The philosophers taught learning excellence; the Sycamore tree teaches strength, trust and unity in all one seeks to endeavor. We can be assured that as life unfolds before us, we will discover that, like the philosopher Seneca,
"No untroubled day has ever dawned for me."

Thus, the L’accademia Areté practices excellence as the way to prepare people for provocation, and holds the belief that personal change and circumstances comes through the pursuit of excellence: excellence to change; excellence to heal, and excellence for justice in our lives.

"Time discovered truth." Seneca