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To See The One That Sees You

Janne Teller

Who are we? What defines our identity? In this course, Janne Teller rejects the current fashionable definition of identity based on external markers, such as nationality, religion, job and sexuality. Instead, she proposes a new perspective on identity.

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Instructor
  • Janne Teller
    Janne Teller

    Former UN economist, now novelist and essayist; author of Come, Nothing and Odin's Island

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About the Course

Who are we? What defines our identity? In this course, Janne Teller rejects the current fashionable definition of identity based on external markers, such as nationality, religion, job and sexuality. Instead, she argues that we should define our identity more dynamically, based predominantly on our inner characteristics, enabling us to better understand and interact with people of other 'identities'.

By the end of the course, you will have learnt:

  • The origins and history of identity
  • The problems with our current markers of identity
  • The importance of art in uniting people with different identities
  • What our 'essence' is, and why it is important
  • A utopian vision for how we should define ourselves, and how this will affect society as a whole

IAI Academy courses are designed to be challenging but accessible to the interested student. No specialist knowledge is required.

About the Instructor

  • Janne Teller

    “Everything begins only to end. The moment you were born you began to die. That's how it is with everything.”


    Janne Teller is a celebrated novelist and essayist, having previously worked as a macroeconomist for the United Nations and the European Union. Despite being initially banned, her novel Nothing has won numerous awards in various languages. Teller’s work is often aimed at young adults, and belongs to the existentialist tradition. As well as dealing with contemporary philosophical issues, her work covers political themes from the challenges of refugees to the dangers of mass surveillance.

    Her other novels include Odin's Island, a modern Nordic saga of politics, history and religion, Europa, All that you Lack which explores history in war and love, and Come, an existential novel about ethics in art and modern life.

    Teller has received many literary awards including the Drassow’s Prize for literary works towards peace and human understanding and her work has been translated into over 25 languages. Before she began writing full-time, Janne studied macro economics and worked as a conflict advisor for the EU and UN, mostly in Africa.

    “A beautifully poetic writer.” - The Telegraph

Course Syllabus

  • Part One: What is Identity?
  • Part Two: In Search of the Essence
    In this section, Janne Teller explores the essence, the power of literature and a utopian ideal of identity