I, like most rational human beings, have a mild issue with heights. More specifically, with falling. As much as I love to be spontaneous and adventurous, flying through the air with only a cable to keep me from death isn't exactly my idea of a relaxing Saturday afternoon. (Okay, maybe I'm being a bit dramatic.) So when I had the opportunity to go through an 8 zipline course this summer, that idea didn't really "fly" with me...pun intended.The Greeks sum up their ideas of moral philosophy with 4 virtues: Wisdom, Courage, Moderation, and Justice. With the military being a major part of Greek culture, it comes as no surprise that courage, being able to face a situation without cowardice, was valued.
So yeah, courage is a thing, but so is acrophobia--a morbid fear of heights ( a word with Greek roots, by the way). According to Plato, "Courage is knowing what not to fear", so I'm quite glad that I decided to pretend that I didn't have an issue with falling, confront my fears--and find out that I actually love ziplining.
Excellent use of the word acrophobia with the Greek root, I thought that was very fitting. Well thought out.
ReplyDeleteI think it is interesting that none of the four virtues have any implication of selflessness and love, which are things that are very important to our own moral system. Does that indicate that the Greeks had an even more individualistic society than we do?
ReplyDeleteHow interesting that one of their virtues is moderation. I found none of the others surprising, I personally would have considered them fundamental to society. But, with consideration, it's rather profound that they included it.
ReplyDeleteGavin, that's a great insight. From what I understand, and from what we see in Greek mythology, heroes and some form of hero worship--more like hero admiration--were a pretty big deal in Greek culture. I wonder if heroes and the elite were encouraged to be self absorbed?
ReplyDeleteThis post really makes the Greek history come alive. I love how well you applied it to your life today. I can really learn from the people of this time period not only to be courageous in getting over physical fears but other fears as well.
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