The Classical Ideals: Arete and Pietas
The ancient Greeks remain infamous for many reasons--among them, a substantial lust for glory. Arete was the virtue of the day, a word primarily denoting individual courage and excellence in areas such as battle and public affairs. 'What a primitive way of life!" some of us might think in a lofty mental tone. But is today really so different?
Instead of battle, we have business; instead of heroes, we have celebrities; instead of public oratory, we have the internet. The ideals of society have come full circle over the last three thousand years. The question is: where did the journey take us?
