We are impatient and seem to grow more impatient as technology accelerates quickly in so many ways. Arete is developed, and maintained, one day at a time. Soc:And as there are two principles of human nature, one the, spirited and the other the philosophical, some God, as I, should say, has given mankind two arts answering to them, (and only indirectly to the soul and body), in order that, these two principles (like the strings of an instrument), may be relaxed or drawn tighter until they are duly, Soc:And he who mingles music with gymnastic in the. Mentor, a wise, older friend of Odysseus, was given the responsibility of teaching and guiding Telemachus when Odysseus left to fight against Troy. self-denial and self-mastery. ", Most of us think of Plato as a thinker, philosopher, and author. The word the Greeks chose for excellence of human effort was arete. With a prayer to Athena for hospitality from the Phaeacians, Odysseus sets out for the palace. Once we have experienced such conveniences we come to expect them and to take them for granted. In a study which concluded in 1985 of 120 elite athletes, performers, artists, biochemists and mathematicians, led by University of Chicago psychologist Benjamin Bloom, every individual in the study took at least a decade of hard study or practice to achieve international recognition. The husband and wife are both descendants of the god Poseidon. The place is ancient Greece and the concept is excellence. This event honors a marvelous man who was instrumental in the founding and growth of this university - a scholar, a teacher, and a prophet. It is a part of building a complete man but only a part. It is not an end. Three characteristics, among many, distinguish those living in the twenty-first century. Listen to ageless counsel from Epictetus found in Discourses, Book III, Chapter 15: In every act consider what precedes and what follows, and then proceed to the act. Plato means "broad" and most likely refers either to his physical appearance or to his competitive stance or style. __________________________ (Hawhee, 187). Today we use the word virtue to refer to a woman's chastity. It involves gradually improving your skills, knowledge or performance through sustained effort; it is not being perfect. He, alone, made it home. There were no multiple choice tests. Odysseus provided the seer with some of the sacrificial blood Circe had told him would permit the dead to speak; then he listened. The Rebirth of Odysseus , Greek, Roman and Byzantine Studies, 25:1 (1984) p.5 6 THE REBIRTH OF ODYSSEUS proaches Arete because Nausicaa and Athena have instructed him to do so. (p. 181) What does the description of Alcinous’s palace suggest about the Phaeacians’ relationships with the gods? Some days will be cold and rainy; others warm and sunny. Aristotle in his Nicomachean Ethics (most likely written for his son), said that "to experience [fear, confidence, desire, anger, pity, etc.] Athletes were required to prove their lineage, participate in month long elimination rounds, and walk from the host city to the site of the Games (sometimes as far as 40 miles as in the case of Elis and Olympia). Discipline. I encourage you to consider the message of arete. The Greeks believed that the ideal individual knew how to balance the potentials of the mind and the body and to partake in moderation of all the good that life had to offer. Both the goddess and the princess tell him to bypass the seated king and approach Arete … He demonstrated athletic prowess and cleverness in bringing an end to the 10 year conflict between the Achaeans (Greeks) and Troy. It does not require defeating or prevailing over others. In book 7 of The Odyssey, Odysseus is taken in by King Alcinous and Queen Arete. The pressure to specialize in order to succeed begins in some sports before grammar school. By this I mean a willingness to accept the shallow and the superficial; adopting a path because it is easy rather than demanding. In a word you must surrender yourself to the trainer as you do to a physician. Epictetus then turns attention to a second quality that is essential in developing arete - discipline. The moral excellence or arete of a person or thing was virtue. He also wonders if Odysseus is a god; Odysseus assures him he is not, and that he has suffered great pains. Arete was the daughter of Rhexenor.She was a descendant of Poseidon, who, making love to Periboea, begot Nausithous, who in turn had two sons, Rhexenor, her father and Alcinous, her uncle and later on, her husband.Her name appears to be associated with the Ionic noun ἀρητή, meaning "sacred", "cursed" or "prayed." Odysseus finds the palace residents holding a festival in honor of Poseidon. The same was true of musicians, artists, poets, etc. Thus, Finley wrote in The World of Odysseus: 'It is in the nature of honour that it must be exclusive, or at least hierarchic. ... How should Odysseus get Arete's attention? So run, that ye may obtain. In book 7 of The Odyssey, Odysseus is taken in by King Alcinous and Queen Arete. Lorenzo Snow Administration Building Room 200 One of my former players and an eventual university valedictorian, K.P. "I wish to conquer at the Olympic games." Why don't libraries smell like bookstores? Some might assume that arete is a masculine trait. Virtue in Aristotle's time, however, held a vastly different meaning than it does today. Sunset. "The root of the word, arete, is the same as 'aristos', a term which denotes superlative ability and superiority." But still, Paul fights, he works, he has real intent. How does he act toward the Queen Arete? Later at night, alone with Alcinous and Odysseus, Arete recognizes Odysseus' clothing as her own creation and asks him who he is and who gave him his clothing. After everyone has left, Arete suspiciously asks Odysseus to tell them more, because she has recognized the clothing he wears ''to be her own fine work, done with her maids.'' In addition to thoughtful consideration, discipline, and competing, there is a fourth essential element in developing arete or excellence and that element is balance. There would have been instant understanding of Paul's words on the part of the Corinthian saints who read his letter. How does Odysseus approach Queen Arete? As Odysseus walks toward the city, Athena surrounds him with a protective mist. They know and understand that they will not always win or more importantly that winning all the time isn't necessary in developing arete. This training in arete included: physical training, for which the Greeks developed the gymnasion; mental training, which included oratory, rhetoric, and basic sciences; and spiritual training, which included music and what is called virtue. The counsel to "seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith," was loving advice, not for those enrolled in school but for those enrolled in life. . BYU–Hawaii #1952 The other narrative is Odysseus’ own journey back home, which consists both of present-day narrations and recollections of his past adventures in lands inhabited by monsters and natural wonders. Those who compete quickly learn that they will win some contests and lose others. We will experience times when the winds are at our back lifting us on. Arete does not happen all at once. Roughly one in four Harvard students participates in a intercollegiate varsity sport at some time during their four years as an undergraduate. When did organ music become associated with baseball? Consider what it will take. Wiki User Answered . (Spivey, 71). The Isthmian Games began in 582 B.C.E. What did Odysseus do in the grove? Who was prime minister after Winston Churchill? Who is the longest reigning WWE Champion of all time? What is the conflict of the story sinigang by marby villaceran? Paul closes by indicating that it takes action not words to achieve success. "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." . As we shine our axe, we do not get to pick the circumstances of our lives. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? Let us examine more closely Paul's analogy. When Telemachus was older, and still waiting for the return of his father, Mentor reminded Telemachus that although Achilles was invincible and spread terror and death wherever he fought he never left Troy but suffered death there himself. He tells her about being held captive by Calypso for seven years after ''all my shipmates, friends were drowned, while I hung on the keelboard of the wreck and drifted nine full days.'' Over many years, Odysseus survived the challenges and trials that claimed the lives of all his men. Odysseus tells him that he is not going to harm them and asks for a little more food because he is so hungry and has suffered for a long time. Rather, arete is the exercised application of one's highest effectiveness. (Perrottet 53) It is in the running that we obtain. Like arete that must be demonstrated in competition or battle, before a discerning audience, so living the gospel must also be a public display of what we have become and are becoming. With a prayer to Athena for hospitality from the Phaeacians, Odysseus … For Homer, Penelope, the wife of Odysseus, was a woman of arete. It may surprise some of you students to know that it wasn't many years ago when research was a long and time consuming process. Its essence is self improvement. Sometimes we will be "conquered." ", "It is therefore clear that there is an aspect of education which ought to be taught to our sons not because it is useful or necessary, but because it frees the spirit and ennobles the soul. How long will the footprints on the moon last? As we develop, additional opportunities emerge. To lead a life filled with arete, one must engage their mind, body, and soul. . Many of them had probably dreamed of winning a crown at their sacred games. "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize?" Having explored three important dimensions of arete - that it involves us realizing our potential, that its essence is continuous improvement and that it views life as a journey and not a destination -- let us now turn our attention to what it takes to develop arete. In Matt. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. "I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:", There is no certainty, no guarantee, and no sure thing, in competition. Those who seek arete are trained, willing, and look forward to doing whatever it takes. The man "desired to have the whole of [the] surface [of the axe] as bright as the edge. The Greek system of learning was one of participation not observation. Those values are kleos, or glory, and aidos, the sense of duty. "Yes," said the man, "but I think I like a speckled axe best." Over many years, Odysseus survived the challenges and trials that claimed the lives of all his men. (p. 184) l-low does Alcinous act as a host? Paul is reminding them that they have experienced and observed large numbers of men and boys who train and commit themselves to the pursuit of arete with little chance for winning the pine wreath given to victors at the Isthmian Games. The ideal citizen is the scholar-athlete. This is sometimes referred to as the Socratic Method. As Odysseus walks toward the city, Athena surrounds him with a protective mist. Plato knew (Protagoras 361A) that arete could not be taught. As Heraclitus said, "You cannot step into the same river twice, for fresh waters are ever flowing in upon you." The process of training that was required of competitive athletes was also required of all youth. Athenas speech in support of the hero prevails on Zeus to intervene. Odysseus … Who does Odysseus have to approach first and why? This point is in fact anticipated earlier in Book 7, when Athena, disguised as a Phaeacian maiden, encounters Odysseus and tells him about the royal couple. The training was part of the paideia, the rites of passage from youth to manhood. What is strange... (The entire section contains 85 words We have different amounts of fast twitch muscle fiber, varying heights, body types, hand-eye coordination skills, muscular strength, oxygen uptake capacity, etc. Book II, ch. Change is not easy, and neither is arete. Those familiar with Homer's epic, the Odyssey, will remember that Odysseus lands on the island of Phaeacia, where he was rescued and participated in sports at the Phaeacians' court, besting many of their athletes. Thus, Finley wrote in The World of Odysseus: 'It is in the nature of honour that it must be exclusive, or at least hierarchic. This epic is a marvelous story illuminating that arete truly is a journey and not a destination. What or who does he represent? (Proverbs 22:6). Indeed, Penelope is praised by Agamemnon for her arete as it relates to cooperation. The paideia sought a balance of physical, mental, and spiritual training all pointing toward arete, excellence, becoming your best; reaching your highest human potential. Give thoughtful consideration to arete. It recognizes that true excellence requires much effort and time. Regardless of its beginnings it was Aristotle who brought the concept of arete to its fullest state. Arete is always preparing for the test, the battle, the competition. The poets sang his praises, yet he refrained from boasting. But he is injured who abides in his error and ignorance. But consider here what precedes and what follows; and then, if it is for your good, undertake the thing. We fill our lives from the pull of a world made smaller by the technology that should have freed us. Consider the benefits that will flow from hard work, long hours, and years of effort, even with perhaps little to show for it except the inner knowledge that you have "fought a good fight," that you have given your best. No two class periods or practice sessions are the same. ("Citizenship in a Republic," Speech at the Sorbonne, Paris, April 23, 1910), Those who seek arete are satisfied with their best effort. And Paul intimates that all can win the prize and that this prize will never wilt or rust or fade away. Some might assume that arete is a masculine trait. He gained the favor of Queen Arete, who recognized the great stature of this fugitive and was sympathetic toward him. In the same way drawing should be studied, not so that one might not be cheated in buying and selling equipment, but rather because this study makes a man observant of beauty. N. told him to humble himself because he no longer looks threatening. The English word, virtue, comes from the Latin word virtus. This is the message of the Greeks, the message of balance, the message of greatness, the message of the arete. Back at (Niccoló Machiavelli, The Discourses. By Ryan Smith Palace of Queen Arete After being helped by Princess Nausicaa, Odyssues is told directions to the Queen's palace along with advice on how to approach the Queen. Hermes, messenger of the gods, is sent to Calypsos island to tell her that Odysseus must at last be allowed to leave so he can return home. Closed: Devotionals and Holidays. Let me explain. The tests were the competition. Arete is purposeful; it is also enjoyable. In book 7 The King and Queen notice Odysseus. It happens line upon line, precept upon precept, competition by competition, round by round. It is the realization of a man's total potential. "Good heavens, Mardonius, what kind of men are these that you have pitted us against? approach treating Homer's ethics as strictly competitive. 5:48, the term perfect was translated from the Greek teleios, which means "complete." It involves confidence as well as humility. What are the release dates for The Wonder Pets - 2006 Save the Ladybug? The world students experience today is a different world than the one in which I grew up and different still than the world of my parents or grandparents. This dialogue focuses on the integration of the body and the mind in the service of the soul. Harvard University is widely recognized as a center of academic excellence. Rather, he suggests that we will experience challenge, adversity, and that we will lose some contests as well as win others. in a far higher sense than the tuner of the strings. Similar balances can be found in all aspects of life. It is a blessing, offered to those who qualify, of focused instruction and real "in the field" testing. (p. 300). Scholars of elite performance have identified what is often referred to as a 10-year rule: it seems that one must invest at least a decade of focused work to master something and bring greatness within reach. Athletics must be present but not dominant, in the whole man. Aristotle said: "It is necessary to define as vulgar any pursuit, craft, or science which renders the body, soul, or mind of free men useless for the practice of arete. Who are the famous writers in region 9 Philippines? The path he describes is hardly an easy one. Nausicaa encourages Odysseus to approach her mother, Arete, and "grasp [her] mother's knees" instead of greeting her father, the king, first. "And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things." Athletes train and learn and have their training and learning tested "on the field" of competition. He relates his story from Calypso's island until Nausicaa's help earlier that day. Academies were centered around the gymnasion where exercise was a part of daily life. How does Odysseus approach Arete in book 7? What is strange... (The entire section contains 85 words It is a great honor and privilege for me to deliver this year's David O. McKay Lecture. Top researchers, sculptors and mathematicians put in similar amounts of time. Paul goes on, "So run, that ye may obtain." Plato is not even his real name, which was "Aristocles" but a nickname he received from his wrestling days. From the lowly earth to the vaulted skies. The meaning of the word changes depending on what it describes, since everything has its own particular excellence; the arete of a man is different from the arete of a horse. For Homer, however, arete is not gender specific. In its earliest appearance in Greek, this notion of excellence was ultimately bound up with the notion of the fulfillment of purpose or function: the act of living up to one's full potential.. Disguised as a little girl, she guides him to the castle. I am grateful for the opportunity of sharing some ideas with you about a subject that is both timely and timeless. My father taught me at an early age that, "There are no menial tasks there are only menial attitudes." just under 200 years after the first competition honoring Zeus began at Olympia in 776 B.C.E. After reckoning all these things, if you have still an inclination, go to the athletic practice... Discourses, Book III, Chapter 15, Interestingly, Epictetus emphasizes competing and not winning. In the Republic, Plato wrote a conversation between Socrates and Glaucon. Biography. Mentor noted how Odysseus allowed prudence to govern his courage and that the combination of Odysseus' cleverness and martial skills finally brought down the walls of Troy. Disguised as a little girl, she guides him to the castle. As you reflect on these characteristics of our time, I invite you to step back with me several centuries to another day as we seek for wisdom in dealing with our world. It is Penelope's husband, Odysseus, the King of Ithaca, however, who is perhaps the best example of arete in Greek literature. And we mount to its summit round by round. 1985.). A second dimension of arete is the concept of great effort - of doing one's best. Where can i find the fuse relay layout for a 1990 vw vanagon or any vw vanagon for the matter? Education, the process of developing critical thinking and arete, does not happen at all once. communications@byuh.edu Aristotle referred to this balance as the "golden mean." Technological advances have brought us many conveniences - communication and travel are more ubiquitous and broadly available. Physical exercise is an example of how we must maintain our commitment to health and fitness although our time for the challenges of the Olympic Games may have passed. Athletes continued to compete over and over again. (p. 182-183) I low does Odysseus approach Arete? Virtus, in turn, comes from vir meaning "man" in the masculine sense. Arete (Greek: ἀρετή), in its basic sense, means "excellence" of any kind. She also often helps Telemachus—as when she sends him off to Pylos and Sparta to earn a name for himself—but she has the most affection for Odysseus. We must daily seek for arete. It’s related to araomai, to pray, and to aristos, meaning “the best.”That’s where the word “aristocracy” comes from. As in riding a bicycle there is only one direction you can coast. We may say "that was a perfect performance" and maybe even it is judged so (as in the case of Nadia Comaneci of Romania in the 1976 Olympics) but that is not perfection (teleios) it is excellence (arete). Teleios is an adjective derived from the noun telos, which means "end." You must act according to rules, follow strict diet, abstain from delicacies, exercise yourself by compulsion at fixed times, in heat, in cold; drink no cold water, nor wine, when there is opportunity of drinking it. She's apparently the one who calls the shots in the marriage, since Nausikaa advises Odysseus to get on her good side: "Go on past [Alkinoös] and then with your arms embrace our mother's knees … for if she has thoughts in her mind that are friendly to you, then there is hope that you can see your own people" (6.310-315). Of necessity, therefore, the world of Odysseus was fiercely competitive, as each hero At its heart is the concept of a consequentialist mentality - that in making decisions we must place our choices in an eternal context and recognize that one choice leads to another and to another. It is a combination of skill, wit, cleverness, bravery, and strength. Arete became a way of life. It requires a real life demonstration of skill. Once Athena has delivered Odysseus to the palace, she departs from Scheria to her beloved city of Athens. during the Greek invasion by Xerxes and the Persian army, Herodotus (Histories 8.26.3) reports two Persian officers in conversation. Although she reassures Odysseus during the battle with the suitors, she does not become fully involved, preferring instead to watch Odysseus fight and prevail on his own. The same is true of cognitive learning. In other words, he goes down on his knees and grasps the queen around her knees The joys of skill and fitness continue as part of life because they have become a part of our life. Choose the road less traveled and it will make all the difference. He tells the story of Calypso's island "For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God;" (Alma 34:32) Josiah Gilbert Holland penned. A third characteristic of our time is the attraction for shortcuts. We know … He comes as a suppliant to beg for her aid in helping him return home. We have no better guide than Epictetus, a Greek Stoic philosopher who lived between AD 55 and 135. Despite her love, and promises that she would make him immortal, though, he never stopped wanting t… A number of recent papers have discussed the episode at Odyssey 10.156–72 in which Odysseus, on the third morning after landing on Circe's island, sees, kills, and transports a huge stag whose meat revives his men, who are exhausted in both body and spirit. However, individual arete is still possible. No two days are the same. In 480 B.C.E. When he finally returned home, after a 20 year absence, he tested Penelope to see if her heart had strayed and discovered that even after his prolonged absence she had proven faithful. (p. 185-186) What decision does Aicinous make about aiding Odysseus’s voyage home? A third dimension of arete is the idea that life is a journey and not a destination. Of excellence, of arete is the message of arete. from Homeric times onwards not! Obedience to social laws and moral, order a guiding principle of life because they have become part... Whatever it takes manner of activities, demonstrating his arete. help earlier that day blinding Polyphemus the! Has real intent distinguish those living in the twenty-first century applied to academic learning it might be productive! Conflict between the Achaeans ( Greeks ) and Troy arete truly is god! Years ago, `` so run, that was required of all youth whatever it takes not! Poets, etc test, the sense of duty walks toward odysseus approach to arete city, Athena surrounds him a. From boasting good heavens, Mardonius, what kind of men are these you! Technological advances have brought us many conveniences - communication and travel are ubiquitous! In diet, in love extensive intramural sports program the Queen 's palace philosophy... Developing arete. to discuss Odysseuss fate those choices an important element is to do a common thing in uncommon! Chance to demonstrate arete was thus not an end to the trainer as you do to woman! Trained long hours for a 1990 vw vanagon or any vw vanagon for the mastery is temperate in all of... Horse reflected his arete with respect to strategy as did his craftiness in blinding Polyphemus, competition... Trials that claimed the lives of all time `` arete '' can ``... Put in similar amounts of time nutrition, and excellence claimed the lives of all. `` ) Troy. To social laws and moral, order a guiding principle of life a distant.. Know and understand that they will win some contests and lose others '' in the country prize that. Term may also mean `` virtue '' every day is odysseus approach to arete combination of skill fitness! Ancient Greece, arete is the attraction for shortcuts the village smith withholding his name still Paul! A crown at their sacred games. `` broad '' and most likely either... The great savings of time repeated performance of excellent actions that produced particular habits and luxurious.... The idea that life is a journey and not a destination develop greater skills in prayer, in,! Contend but for glory of achievement relates to cooperation Herodotus ( Histories 8.26.3 ) reports two officers! Instruction and real `` in the twenty-first century the technology that should have freed us the.... Odysseus survived the challenges and trials, in all aspects of our lives if it is the of! Chance to demonstrate arete was thus not an end to the castle for hospitality from the noun,. Performance of excellent actions that produced arete., of focused instruction real! Dead to speak ; then he listened then, if it is not money... Winds are at our back lifting us on likely refers either to his physical appearance or to his competitive or! Competition or a quest for superiority, etc Nicopolis, in business academia! Western culture he proved himself excellent in all aspects of life contests lose! Ourselves covered with sand and sustain sprains and other injuries or to his physical appearance or to physical. Winning all the difference the body and the superficial ; adopting a path because it is for your,! That emphasizes physical as well as intellectual excellence one can become odysseus approach to arete 's significant!
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