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The Greek Way of Life and Ideals of Excellence
In this article, we will explore the Greek way of life and their ideals of excellence. We will delve into the concept of excellence as understood by the Greeks and how it encompassed a well-rounded set of traits. We will also touch upon Roman society and its ideals of human excellence. Additionally, we will briefly mention the emergence of Christianity in Western civilization.
The Greek Way of Life
The Greek way of life encompassed various forms of human conduct, with one notable aspect being the Socratic life of inquiry. This life of inquiry involved deeply immersing oneself in the social situation, striving to understand oneself and fellow citizens. The Greeks regarded excellence as a central value, defining it as being an all-rounder in various domains. For them, excellence meant being proficient in different areas, such as writing, physical prowess, intellectual pursuits, and more. It was a holistic view of human beings.
Ideals of Excellence in Roman Society
In Roman society, we encounter different ideals of excellence. These ideals were influenced by the historical conditions of the Roman Empire. One prominent perspective was hedonism, which advocated seeking happiness and pleasure as the best way to live. However, the hedonists emphasized pursuing higher pleasures that did not have negative consequences while avoiding lower pleasures that led to trouble and pain. The Romans associated hedonism with various schools of thought, such as the Epicureans, who sought pleasure in moderation, including savouring excellent food and engaging in physical activities.
Stoicism as an Ideal in a Declining Roman Empire
As the Roman Empire declined, a contrasting ideal of excellence emerged known as stoicism. Stoics believed in cultivating apatheia, a form of fortitude and courage in the face of uncontrollable external circumstances. They acknowledged that happiness might be desirable but considered it unattainable in this world. Therefore, they advocated facing life’s challenges with resilience and accepting one’s fate. Stoics questioned the distinction between higher and lower pleasures, asserting that all pleasures had downsides and required effort or work to fully appreciate.
Historical Context and Comparison of Views
The popularity of different ideals of excellence corresponded to the rise and decline of the Roman Empire. The hedonistic view aligned with the values of a prosperous and expanding Empire, while stoicism gained prominence during times of decline and uncertainty. The optimism and focus on pleasure during Rome’s ascent contrasted with the resilient and courageous outlook during its decline.
The Influence of Social and Historical Conditions
It is essential to recognize that these beliefs and perspectives on human conduct were influenced by the social and historical conditions of their time. The availability of abundant resources and pleasures shaped the hedonistic approach, while the challenges and uncertainties of a declining Empire gave rise to stoicism as a response.
Conclusion
The Greek way of life emphasized excellence as a comprehensive set of traits, representing a well-rounded individual. In contrast, Roman society witnessed the prevalence of hedonism and stoicism as ideals of human excellence. Hedonism centred on pursuing higher pleasures while avoiding those with negative consequences, whereas stoicism emphasized fortitude and acceptance in the face of adversity. These ideals were influenced by the historical context and societal conditions of the time.
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