Greek indiosyncracies : A beloved paradox

2,000 years ago, the ancient Greeks, notably Hippocrates, the “father of medical science”, developed the first personality theory. One’s temperament–whether choleric, melancholic, sanguine or phlegmatic was due to one’s predominant bodily fluid. In that ancient typology, the “sanguine” temperament was thought to be enthusiastic and optimistic, the “melancholic” reticent and somewhat doleful, the “choleric” passionate, and the “phlegmatic” calm.

We no longer believe that bodily fluids affect personality (though some researchers have suggested that gut bacteria affect temperament) but psychologists do believe in temperament, which is one’s inborn tendency to react in certain ways emotionally and behaviorally.

Back to the ancient Greeks, and to the Greek idiosyncrasy (temperament),  Isocrates, in the fourth century B.C., stated that a Greek is any person educated as a Greek. By education he was referring to more than formal education. He meant someone who had incorporated Greek values and learned all the Greek ways. Outwardly at least, Greeks have a very strong sense of themselves, a sense that is connected to language, religion, culture, and historical continuity.  While there have been numerous attempts since the time of Isocrates to link territory, religion, and language with the notion of “Greekness,” Greek identity has never been a simple issue.

Four were the core values of Ancient Greeks as described and portrayed since Homer time in the Odyssey. While these values may seem simple, they effectively shaped an entire civilization into a culture that is one of the most referenced in history.

Intelligence

While it was not a requirement of women during ancient Greece, the men were required to go to school and learn. Boys were taught at home until they age of six and then sent off to school. Ancient Greek schools in many city states featured a structure that had boys in school from the age of six until fourteen and then an optional additional four years. The boys were trained in areas of the arts as well as in citizen training. Citizen training prepared Greek boys for two aspects of adult life, which were peace and war. As Socrates emphatically declares

“Strong minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events,

weak minds discuss people”

Glory

Glory for young men in ancient Greece was the equivalent of fame to young people in today's society. Stories of war glories and battles were handed down to young men, who in turn yearned for the notoriety that came along with the glory and victory of a battle. Glory was also valued highly due to the fact that back in ancient Greece, it was believed that once you died, all souls were sent down to Hades. Souls that had achieved some sort of glory during their living life were the only souls in Hades that were granted privileges.

Hospitality

Helping others was an important aspect of ancient Greek society. Homer clearly depicted the importance of hospitality throughout “The Odyssey” as Odysseus traveled to faraway places and was in need of help from others. Ancient Greeks were hospitable even when they did not want to be. They offered food, shelter and protection to travelers without question. While it is unclear whether ancient Greeks were hospitable due to their fear of the Gods or whether they were simply doing their brotherly duty, it is clear that hospitality was an important aspect of life.

Loyalty

Loyalty is perhaps the most influential value of ancient Greek civilization. Loyalty was embedded in everything the Greeks did. They believed in loyalty to the family, the community and most importantly to the Gods. Loyalty to the family meant doing what was best for your family. Loyalty to the community meant doing what you could for your community whether it was giving money or putting up a stranger for the night. Loyalty to the Gods meant never questioning their motives. The Gods of ancient Greece often sent tests to citizens and maintaining faith through the tests was a sign of loyalty and belief.

True Greeks have several characteristics and nuances that make them unique. Against all odds, Greeks are resilient. They may be inflicted with the worse economic crisis the country has seen in decades, but you will still see them celebrate the tiniest events of their life as if they were fine. They will still be hopeful and find something positive. Despite having endured hardships, such as dictatorship, corruption or wars, Greeks find their strength within more durable things like family and have an incredible support system, which helps them face the hard days ahead.