Arete Had No Perfect Translation

amazing that the ancient Greek word Arete had no perfect translation until modern times when we coined the term Based. Arete (Greek: ἀρετή) is a concept in ancient Greek thought that, in its most basic sense, refers to "excellence of any kind."[1] The term may also mean "moral virtue."[1] 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. The term from Homeric times onwards is not gender specific. Homer applies the term to both the Greek and Trojan heroes as well as major female figures, such as Penelope, the wife of the Greek hero Odysseus. In the Homeric poems, Arete is frequently associated with bravery, but more often with effectiveness. The person of Arete is of the highest effectiveness; they use all their faculties—strength, bravery, and wit—to achieve real results. In the Homeric world, then, Arete involves all of the abilities and potentialities available to humans.

A Twitter screenshot jokes that the ancient Greek concept of “Arete,” meaning excellence, had no perfect modern translation until people started using “based.” The punchline humorously equates a classical virtue with internet slang for someone or something exceptionally impressive. It is sent as a reaction to mock grandiose claims about the origins of modern slang. EN: A Twitter screenshot jokes that the ancient Greek concept of “Arete,” meaning excellence, had no perfect modern translation until people started using “based.” The punchline humorously equates a classical virtue with internet slang for someone or something exceptionally impressive. It is sent as a reaction to mock grandiose claims about the origins of modern slang.

• @rzeczyzabawne / 16212 2024-04-19