- Release for Public view 2023/08/18
- From Zero to Hero: Part of the Introduction
- Vision to “Telos” – Greek Philosophy
The ancient Greeks were fascinated by the question of the telos, or purpose, of human life. Some philosophers believed that the telos of the individual was to achieve happiness, while others believed that it was to serve the state.
The Individual vs. the State
The debate between the individual and the state is a complex one that has been going on for centuries. In ancient Greece, the two main schools of thought on this issue were Stoicism and Epicureanism.
The Stoics believed that the telos of the individual was to live in accordance with nature. They believed that this meant living a life of virtue and reason and that it was more important to focus on the present moment than on the past or the future.
The Epicureans, on the other hand, believed that the telos of the individual was to achieve happiness. They believed that this meant living a life of pleasure and avoiding pain and that it was important to focus on the things that were within our control.
The Role of the State
The Stoics believed that the state had a role to play in helping individuals achieve their telos. They believed that the state should provide a framework for individuals to live virtuous lives and that it should protect individuals from harm.
The Epicureans, on the other hand, believed that the state should not interfere in the lives of individuals. They believed that individuals should be free to pursue their own happiness and that the state should not be allowed to take away that freedom.
Real-life applications
The debate between the individual and the state is still relevant today. We all have to decide how much importance we place on our own happiness and how much we are willing to give up for the sake of the greater good.
There are many examples of how this debate plays out in real life. For example, some people choose to live a simple life in order to have more time for their own personal development, while others choose to work long hours in order to provide for their families.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to prioritize the individual or the state is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer, and the best choice for one person may not be the best choice for another.
Conclusion
The debate between the individual and the state is a complex one that has been going on for centuries. There is no easy answer, and the best way to resolve this debate is to find a balance between the two. We should all strive to live lives that are both meaningful and fulfilling, and we should all work to create a society that is both just and compassionate.
I hope this blog post has helped you to understand the debate between the individual and the state in ancient Greece. If you are interested in learning more, I encourage you to read the works of the Stoics and Epicureans themselves. They have much to teach us about how to live a good and happy life.
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- Yvonne E. Venter-Louw
- YEVL (Pty) Ltd. Director & Principal
- Researcher, Advisor, Educator, Coach, Mentor and Speaker
- Thesis: The Psychological Impact and Rehabilitation of Past Experiences on Daily Driven Financial Decisions
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