Civilization: Telemechus learns that recognizing rank and hierarchy is essential to building any civilization, especially politically. A special emphasis was put on what it means for members of a civilization to be considered civilized. The way people feasted said a lot about them too. Civilized people were polite, hospitable, respectful, and caring while the suitors represented the barbaric and uncivilized through their gorging, rude, and chaotic ways.
Hero: Telemechus learns that a hero is a man of great courage and most importantly has a strong sense of self control and restraint. A hero is someone who is bold, brave, and fearless, achieving glory when they return home (nostos) and leaving a legacy when they are gone. But most importantly, they victoriously emerge after enduring some form of suffering to prove their determination, skill/intelligence, and strength. The greater the suffering the greater the KLEOS.
Overcivilized: the point at which a society becomes so far developed that its people begin to lose a sense of priority within their life and compassion for the people around them. I think there becomes a point at which society can be too civilized for its own good. As a result, morals may become skewed, religion may eventually seem useless, and the legal system may ultimately become so structured and unforgiving that is in fact unjust or unfair. What drives a society to crave so much structure? And is the technology of our century taking us down this emotionless path?
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comments from individuals other than registered authors are most welcome. Your comments, however, are moderated by the site administrator. We reserve the right to reject comments we deem inappropriate or irrelevant. Thanks for your interest in The Great Conversation blogspot.
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.