Areté

The word areté (pronounced AH-ree-tay), the heraldic motto or battle-cry of Chivalry-Now, hearkens back to ancient Greek philosophy.
     Areté is a concept that refers to the excellent performance of an attribute for which a thing or species is recognized. For a bird it might be flying. For a horse, running. A firefly, how brightly it glows.
     Examining the areté of human nature, Greek philosophers concluded that certain abilities stood out as examples of excellence. Chief among these were virtue, compassion, and the rational mind. When a person strongly reflects these qualities, morally and intellectually, he or she is said to express the areté of human nature. Although there is no exact translation for the word in English, it has often been translated as "the greatest good."
     Ancient philosophers carried their ideas of areté into the surrounding culture and influenced it accordingly. Just sharing the concept of areté, with its accompanying ideals, inspired people to do their best in life. One need only look at the incredible accomplishments of Classical Greece to appreciate this. In a couple hundred years, it laid the foundations for the future development of all Western philosophy, science and democracy, art and medicine. A large portion of what we deem indigenous to Western Civilization traces its roots back to these ancient people who pondered the meaning of areté, and worked to exemplify it in their lives.
     As we set about to repair today's culture, it pays to understand the concept of areté and apply it to our daily lives. Just introducing the word into the popular vocabulary provides a major step in getting people to think about who they are, and who they can be come.
     In this respect, I can think of no better concept to represent the essence of Chivalry-Now.
     The areté we promulgate begins with consciousness, the living awareness that gives birth to the rational mind, to awareness and the appreciation of virtue, to self-development, compassion, and service to others. Responsible consciousness is the foundation of authenticity, integrity and personal freedom. As the living vehicle of conscience, it provides the heart of moral justice and self-reflection. All of this comes from within, from the experience of life itself. To impose it from outside oneself is to lose it altogether.
     Chivalry-Now believes in the human potential that areté unveils — potential that can transform us into people who question stale beliefs, who think for themselves and do what's right. Here we find the truest, most cost effective approach to social change and personal fulfillment — at the same time.
     I encourage you to make areté part of your vocabulary. Feel comfortable with its implications. Talk about it with other people. Cultural change begins with taking the first step.