ARET&#274; EXCELLENCE OR VIRTUE is an anthology-like book that presents "what the ancient Greeks thought and said about aret&#275;"-about "excellence" or "virtue." In Homer's ILIAD, Achilles' father urges him to "be the best" (to possess aret&#275;, excellence or virtue). In the ODYSSEY, old Laertes rejoices that his son Odysseus and his grandson Telemachus are "battling over aret&#275;." Hundreds of years later, the poet Theognis of Megara counselled his friend to "wear [himself] out for the sake of aret&#275;." Still later, the philosopher Socrates spent time with anyone who would talk with him about what it meant to cultivate aret&#275;. And that's only the beginning of an endeavor that lasted for well over a thousand years. That everyone in the ancient Greek world wanted to have and practice aret&#275; is without doubt. It's what they hoped, prayed, and struggled for. It's what they admired and rewarded. The Spartan poet Tyrtaeus expressed the common view when he declared that aret&#275; was the "best and noblest prize" one could win. Still, a question remains. As valuable as aret&#275; was to them, what did the ancient Greeks mean by it? The goal of this book is to let them answer. After a brief introduction, ARET&#274; EXCELLENCE OR VIRTUE presents what the ancient Greeks thought and said about aret&#275; in their own words. We follow poets, playwrights, and historians on the what, who, and how of aret&#275;. We listen to what all the major philosophers and schools of philosophy taught. And, finally, we hear selected passages from a number of orators that touch on aret&#275;. No matter how you peruse what follows, you will likely find your own views on human excellence and virtue shift as the Greeks influence your thinking about and even pursuit of aret&#275;. Plus, you will have an opportunity to practice aret&#275; by following "A Plan of Life Aimed at Aret&#275;" and engaging in the workbook or journal-like practice exercises found toward the end. More, in the glossary, you'll discover the Greek terms that are pertinent to aret&#275;. Lastly, you'll be pointed in the direction of further resources and reading.

Arete: Excellence or Virtue

History

The Classics Cave

Ancient Civilizations

Looking for space to think? To “know yourself”—as the ancient Greeks advised? To record your thoughts? Something with inspiration rather than blank pages alone?\nThe Epicurus Open Journal presents 110 quotations from Epicurus for reflection and growth. Use the points to contemplate your own life, figure out what you truly desire and want to do, and practice living well—moving every day a little closer toward excellence in your thoughts and emotions, and in what you say and do.\nBut why Epicurus? For well over half a millennium, the teachings of Epicurus and Epicureanism furnished the guiding light for a great number of human souls. His was a new way of looking at things that could explain reality, calm fears, and provide tranquility. As the Roman Torquatus later testified, “Epicurus has guided all sane-minded people into the path of calm and tranquility—a quiet and happy life.” He continues to enlighten people today, inspiring many to practice a better way of life.\nAside from the 110 quotations on an equal number of lined pages for writing, with an additional 20 pages without points, there is a brief introduction to Epicurus and his philosophy, as well as Epicurus’ Letter to Menoeceus, and a Plan of Life Following Epicurus.\nIt’s a good idea to spend quality time with Epicurus as you consider your own life, getting to know yourself and determining how you might flourish as a human being. But don’t stop with contemplation alone. Get out and put your thoughts into action. It is the doing, the acting, that counts!

Epicurus Open Journal: A Journal for Your Thoughts with Thought-Provoking Quotations from the Ancient Greek Philosopher Epicurus

Health, Fitness & Dieting

Alternative Medicine

Looking for space to think? To “know yourself”—as the ancient Greeks advised? To record your thoughts? Something with inspiration rather than blank pages alone?\nThe Cynics Open Journal presents 110 quotations from the Cynics for reflection and growth. Use the points on each page to contemplate your own life, figure out what you truly desire and want to do, and practice living well—moving every day a little closer toward excellence in your thoughts and emotions, and in what you say and do.\nBut why the Cynics? The ancient Cynics and their philosophy and way of life influenced the Greek and Roman worlds for a thousand years. What did they hope to accomplish? They wished to live a life in accord with nature, a virtuous life, one characterized by self-control, self-sufficiency, and simplicity. They wanted to be free. But theirs wasn’t a life for the wavering or fainthearted. Rather, as they portrayed it, their path was a shortcut to the heights.\nAside from the 110 quotations found on an equal number of lined pages for writing, with an additional 20 lined pages without points, there is a brief introduction to the Cynics and their philosophy, as well as longer selections from the Cynics and a plan of life following their philosophy.\nIt’s a good idea to spend quality time with the Cynics as you consider your own life, getting to know yourself and determining how you might flourish as a human being. But don’t stop with contemplation alone. Get out and put your thoughts into action. It is the doing, the acting, that counts! Best of luck!

The Cynics Open Journal: A Journal for Your Thoughts with Thought-Provoking Quotations from the Ancient Greek Cynic Philosophers

The Best of the Cynics presents most of what remains of the ancient Cynics-what they wrote and what others wrote about them. It begins with an informative introduction and ends with a ten-point Cynic "Plan of Life" and three exercises for practice, along with "Other Matters of Interest Related to the Cynics," including a cast of significant Cynics, a map, a glossary of pertinent Greek terms, and suggestions for further reading. Cynicism is not what you think it is. It's not something negative, pessimistic, or bitter-not the ancient sort, anyway. Not exactly. Beginning with Antisthenes and Diogenes, the ancient Cynics and their philosophy influenced the Greek and Roman worlds for nearly a millennium. What they had to offer was a radical way of life. An intense practice. Theirs was a way to train in order to face the desires that plague us and endure the suffering we humans must inevitably encounter. What did the Cynics hope to accomplish? They wished to live a life in accord with nature, a virtuous life, one characterized by self-control, self-sufficiency, and simplicity. They wanted to be free-to speak freely, to challenge conventions. They hoped to be as shameless as a dog-and yes, as happy as a dog, too. Ancient Cynicism held out the possibility of a better life, a way to live well. But it wasn't a life for the wavering or fainthearted. Rather, as they portrayed it, their path was a shortcut to the heights. Diogenes said, "I . . . chose the steep and troublesome path-for the man speeding on to happiness must go on even if it is through fire and sword."

The Best of the Cynics: The Lives, Writings & Teachings of the Ancient Cynics

Politics & Social Sciences

Philosophy

The Book of Ancient Greek Wisdom & Ways presents readings from the ancient Greeks (from Homer to Plotinus), as well as ways to practice the wisdom they offer in their literature and philosophy. It is an excellent read for any who wish to make a quest to Greece.

The Book of Ancient Greek Wisdom & Ways: The Tragos Quest to Greece Reader, Workbook & Journal

The Best of the Early Stoics: The Lives, Writings & Teachings of the Early Stoics

Literature & Fiction

Classics

The Wisdom & Way of the Early Stoics: Pocket Edition

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by The Classics Cave. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by The Classics Cave