Arete

Philosphy

Arete is a concept that was central to the values and philosophy of the ancient Greek world. The term shows up in the seminal texts of the Greek world. Plato employs it in his Allegory of the Cave and Homer uses it in the Odyssey and Iliad. Aristotle writes of Arete in Ethics. So too is Arete personified in Greek Mythology as a character in the pantheon of gods.

Arete means a pursuit of excellence in order to fulfill one’s purpose. Arete is living up to one’s potential. Living with Arete means having a sense of where one is heading and setting out on that journey to realize what can be accomplished. It implies doing this with competence, precision, and as it must be done.

Arete also implies a sense of effectiveness. Pursuing one’s purpose is a series of tasks and choices. Making decisions that are efficient, solve problems, and move one closer towards accomplishing a goal requires efficiency. One must accomplish tasks, identify new challenges and move on to the next things.

The Greeks recognized the challenge associated with pursuing excellence and living with purpose. As such, Arete also implies a sense of bravery. To fulfill one’s purpose and to pursue excellence means one will have to overcome obstacles. There will be distractions. There are temptations that will seem like attractive diversions. There will be doubt and insecurities. To remain on the course in the midst of these challenges requires Arete - the bravery and courage to persevere. 

Lastly, Arete connotes a sense of virtue. When we are pursuing our best selves, working with purpose and effectiveness, and embracing our bravery we find virtue. Virtue is a foundational principle. It is rooted in both individual and collective greatness. It assumes the choice in doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong for us. 

The point in all of this is to create a life well lived. Arete is about the process of living. When one lives with Arete they tend to feel fulfilled, motivated, driven and connected. But Arete is also about the outcome. When one lives with Arete, the result is a sense of purpose, accomplishment, contentment and resolve. In this way, Arete is both an end and a means.