The Culture of Areté: Pursuing Excellence in Ancient Greek Society

The areté, or excellence, is central to classical Greek culture and philosophy. This term not only encompasses the pursuit of personal excellence but also the culture of excellence that permeated all aspects of ancient Greek society. Passive characterization of areté, as described by Homer in the Iliad, depicts the virtues that were highly valued at the time.

The Meaning of Areté

The term areté is often translated as "excellence" or "virtue," but it encompasses much more than these individual terms imply. Areté involves the cultivation and expression of human potential and the pursuit of excellence in all areas of life, including physical, intellectual, and moral domains. The ancient Greeks believed that areté was not only an individual pursuit, but also a collective cultural achievement that defined their civilization.

Passive Characterization of Areté in the Iliad

In Homer's Iliad, passive characterization of areté is demonstrated through the heroic actions of characters such as Achilles and Hector. These characters are motivated by a desire to achieve excellence and to live up to the values of their society. They demonstrate great physical prowess in battle, but also possess other virtues such as loyalty, courage, and honor. Homer also emphasizes the importance of moral excellence, or arête, through the character of Priam, the grief-stricken father of Hector. Priam's appeal to Achilles for the return of his son's body reveals a deep concern for justice and compassion, even in the midst of war.

Areté in Everyday Life

Passive characterization of areté also extends beyond the domain of heroism and into everyday life. The ancient Greeks believed that the pursuit of excellence was not just reserved for the elite, but was a value that should be cultivated by all members of society. This is reflected in the Greek concept of kalokagathia, which emphasized the importance of striving for both physical and moral excellence in daily life.

Critiques of Passive Characterization of Areté

However, the passive characterization of areté is not without criticism. Some contemporary scholars argue that this concept can be constraining and limit individual expression. For example, the emphasis on moral excellence may be used to justify oppressive social norms, or the pursuit of excellence may be seen as an excuse for elitism and exclusion.

Legacy of Areté

Despite these critiques, the passive characterization of areté remains a powerful concept that has influenced Western thought for centuries. The idea of cultivating excellence in all areas of life, and of striving for both personal and societal improvement, remains a compelling and influential ideal. In today's world, where individualism and consumer culture often dominate, the ancient Greek concept of areté reminds us of the importance of pursuing excellence, both for ourselves and for the greater good of society.