Essay #1

        Arête is a Greek term that is literally translated as “virtue.” It means being the best person you can be and living up to your fullest potential. It’s a word that is associated with bravery, fierceness, and skill. Socrates was an excellent hero in ancient Greek times. He demonstrated arête by showing his belief that the perfect human life should concentrate on self-development. He wanted a person to have their own opinions by using his method, question and answer, which is called the Socratic Method. He taught people a new way of learning which affected the way people lived their lives. The ancient Greeks showed arête by looking down on people who didn’t participate in their politics. They were the first people to have democracy as their government and they wanted everyone to not live their life in private but to be involved. Socrates and the ancient Greeks have changed what life is like today by demonstrating arête.