Our concepts and practice of democracy and the foundations of mathematics, the theatre and
philosophy emerged from Greek city states (particularly Athens) in the 5th century BC. Aristotle
held the view that "The state should be large enough to support a civilised life for its
members." and in Athens philosophical debate and discussion was a communal activity
almost a leisure pursuit for citizens. Athenean democracy was characterised by
Of course women nor slaves (80,000 in Athens) had no political say. Even the philosophers had slaves and didn't think twice about this as being wrongful.
Philosophers such as Protagoras (circa 450 BC), and Socrates (died 399 BC) questioned religious beliefs and practices and sought ethical understanding independent of religion.
The influence of Greek thought on moral philospohy was profound. Further developments to Aristotle's views on fulfilment and happiness include.....to be completed.
Any relevance to business practice today?
Seems quite relevant to various facets of organisational membership!
Stoics (fatalists) and Epicureans (enjoy life while you can - eat drink and be merry - in moderation) as people alienated from instititional life - would argue that it is wise to avoid/ignore cut and thrust and compromises of "career seeking".
Zeno of Citium (circa 270 BC) argued that as people are subject to "natural law", we must accept whatever turns up calmly and bravely. Given our situation, the wise limit their aspirations to what can realistically be achieved.
How well would this go down at a Sales Managers conference?
Stoics would also argue our passions often make us dangerously irrational. Our passions (Arsenal, money, winning the deal, dislike of others) divert our reason.
"He dug a pit for himself."
Edgar Allen Poe?
"Love is blind and lovers cannot see the follies that they themselves commit."
Shakespeare?
Epicurus (circa 250 BC) however linked happiness with "pleasure" albeit mediated by Aristotlean moderation. What is more pleasurable than friendship, discussion, wine and song (in moderation). Thus escaping from public and political life (being a manager, taking on more responsibility?) brings personal happiness. In one's life demotrasting self-control and serentity helps us to endure most things. So grin and bear the burdens of working for a living - enjoy yourself when you can.
