Elio D’Anna, the author of the best-seller “School for Gods”, for the 1st time in Cyprus this September
Who Is Elio D’Anna – The Visionary Behind “The School for Gods”?
Author, Philosopher, Musician, Entrepreneur, and Founder of a New Educational Paradigm
Elio D’Anna is not your typical thinker. He is a best-selling author, philosopher, economist, visionary entrepreneur, poet, musician, and the founder and president of the European School of Economics (ESE), which now operates in six major cities worldwide: London, New York, Madrid, Rome, Florence, and Milan.
Through a remarkable and multifaceted career, Elio D’Anna has come to be seen as one of Europe’s most innovative and spiritually driven personalities. His life philosophy can be summed up in one of his most iconic beliefs:
From Music to Metaphysics: A Life in Transformation
Born in Naples, Italy on September 3, 1946, Elio originally pursued studies in law and economics. But his true calling emerged early on—in the world of music. A gifted flutist, saxophonist, and vocalist, Elio quickly rose to prominence and eventually collaborated with renowned names such as Luis Bacalov, Phil Collins, Sting, Bruce Springsteen, and Carlos Santana.
But a pivotal moment came in 1976, when he met the Indian spiritual teacher Sri Chinmoy—a moment Elio later described as the most important encounter of his life. It marked the beginning of a profound inner transformation and a complete reorientation of his personal and professional path.
Following this encounter, Elio D’Anna turned his focus inward—toward spiritual growth, inner balance, and the search for personal freedom. These insights would eventually evolve into a powerful philosophy—one that would later become the foundation of his most influential book: The School for Gods.
One of his core teachings is this:
“Change yourself, and the world will change with you. The world is the way it is because you are the way you are. To change the world, look nowhere else but within.”
Meet the Dreamer for the 1st time in Cyprus
A New Kind of Education: The Birth of ESE
In 1994, Elio founded the first iteration of what would become the European School of Economics in Rome. His goal was to cultivate not only skilled professionals, but conscious leaders—individuals able to bridge material success with inner clarity, vision, and purpose.
Through ESE, Elio promotes a revolutionary idea: that true education must begin with self-awareness and serve as a vehicle for personal evolution.
Published in 2000, The School for Gods is more than a book—it’s a spiritual manifesto. Written in a rich, symbolic style that blends allegory with real-life insight, the book explores the immense power within the individual to reshape reality.
With quotes like:
“Eat less, dream more. Sleep less, breathe more. Die less, live forever.”
…it calls on readers to awaken, to strip away limitations, and to embrace a radically new vision of life.
Though often categorized as a philosophical or psychological work, the book defies genre. At its core, it narrates the founding of ESE—but its message goes far beyond that. It heralds what Elio calls an “Individual Revolution”—the emergence of a new kind of human being, one who has transcended fear, pain, and dualistic thinking.
Translated into over 15 languages, The School for Gods has touched readers worldwide—many of whom describe their experience with the book as transformative, even life-altering.
If you resonate with Elio D’Anna’s message, this is your chance to experience it live and in person.
On Wednesday, 17 September 2025, Elio D’Anna will appear on stage at Rialto Theatre in Limassol for the very first time in Cyprus, as part of a special event organized by the Limassol International Book Fair.
Through a powerful keynote address and a live audience Q&A, Elio will share his teachings and challenge us to become dreamers of a new world.
