Our identity | αωtonomia name, logo and symbolism

Our logo

A symbol rich in meaning

At the centre, a concentric circle represents perpetual motion and harmony, symbolizing infinity, unity, eternity, completeness and wholeness.

A book opens from this circle, representing knowledge and learning. A set square, emerging from the book, symbolizes the tools of construction and illustrates how knowledge can be used to build and shape.

Above the book, a tree divides into two hands, symbolizing knowledge opening toward nature. It reflects the idea that nature, once feared by humankind, now stands at the centre of our search for understanding, with its own laws that we must rediscover.

Finally, rays of light radiate outward, symbolizing the illumination brought by knowledge: the mission of our association.

Our name

αωtonomia: a word spanning the ages

αωtonomia

Pronounced “A-O-TONOMIA”

Our name begins withAlpha (α, or uppercase A)— the first letter of the Greek alphabet — andOmega (ω, or uppercase Ω)— the last letter — symbolizing the beginning and the end, the whole. Together, these two Greek letters convey the idea of somethingcomplete and whole, referring to both origin and completion.

The rest of the word comes from the ancient Greek "autonomia" (αὐτονομία), a term formed from "autos" (“self”) and "nomos" (“law” or “rule”). “Autonomia” literally means “the act of giving oneself one's own laws.”

Over time, this Greek word evolved into "autonomia" in Latin while retaining its original meaning. In French, it became “autonomie”, a major philosophical concept referring to individual freedom, independence and a person's ability to make decisions for themselves.

By choosing the name “αωtonomia”, we highlight the values it conveys:independence,empowerment through knowledge, freedom of thought and action, and everyone's ability to shape their own way of life according to their aspirations.

Inspiration

Prometheus, bearer of knowledge

In Greek mythology, Prometheus steals sacred fire from the gods and gives it to humanity. Beyond the physical flame, the myth symbolizes the transmission of knowledge and civilization.

This is precisely the mission αωtonomia has set itself: to make available to as many people as possible, free of charge and without discrimination, the essential knowledge needed for self-reliance — knowledge once held by earlier generations and increasingly forgotten in the modern world.