Philosophy in the Graveyard: The Egyptian Book of the Dead

Join a fascinating talk and tour in Graceland Cemetery, exploring ideas and teachings from the Egyptian Book of the Dead, aka Book of Ani

What would happen if your heart could testify about the life you’ve lived?

Join us at the beautiful historic Graceland Cemetery for our 6th annual Philosophy in the Graveyard talk & tour, this year exploring the Egyptian Book of the Dead and its remarkable depiction of the Weighing of the Heart.

In this ancient scene, the deceased's heart is weighed against the feather of Ma’at - truth, justice, and cosmic order. What does the heart represent? Why is a feather its measure? And who are the mysterious figures who oversee the judgment?

After introducing the Book of the Dead and its background in ancient Egyptian beliefs about life and death, we’ll examine the judgment scene by its elements: the heart and the scales, the feather of Ma’at, the different elements of the human being present at the trial, Anubis, Thoth, Osiris, and Ammit, the fearsome devourer awaiting the outcome., and more.

What do we carry in our hearts? How do our choices shape us? And what might preparing for death teach us about living?

Following the talk, we’ll set out among Graceland’s monuments and autumn trees in search of Egyptian-inspired memorials, discovering echoes of this ancient civilization in the heart of Chicago.

Come with curiosity. No previous knowledge of Egyptian history or philosophy is needed.

Speaker: Gilad Sommer, philosopher, writer, director of NA Chicago.

The 1 hour talk will be followed by a philosophical and mindful tour of the cemetery grounds.

📆 Day and Date: Sunday, November 8th, 2026

⏳Time: 2pm - 4pm

📍Location: Graceland Cemetery chapel, 4001 N. Clarck st. 60613

*Admission is free and open to the public. Voluntary donations to support our non-profit educational programs are warmly welcomed.

*Registration is required. Number of participants is limited.