Tuesday, October 19, 2010

In A Word: Areté

Dictionary.com explains Areté as "the aggregate of qualities, as valor and virtue, making up good character," and also as an "important concept in Greek philosophy, 'virtue, excellence,' or 'that which is good.' "

According to http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/GLOSSARY/ARETE.HTM Areté, has claims as being "the most articulated value in Greek culture" and is "translated as 'virtue'"  However "the word actually means something closer to 'being the best you can be,' or 'reaching your highest human potential.'"

It would also be necissary to add that (as yourdictionary.com would say) Areté is "Excellence or virtue, especially in the full realization of potential or inherent function by a person or thing"

So the perfect snowflake has Areté,


the perfect sunset has Areté,

...and someone who is being the best they can at what they do is also Areté...So...
Do you possess Areté?
Do you know someone who does?