What Is “Arête”?
Homer, one of western civilization’s most influential writers, gives us his answer to the timeless question: “How should we live our lives?” In his epic poems, The Iliad and The Odyssey, Homer introduces the concept of “arête.”
At first glance, “arête” is often translated as “excellence.” However, Homer’s true meaning is much deeper. It’s not just about being the best; it’s about embracing your strengths and striving to reach your full potential. Each of Homer’s characters embodies their unique “arête,” showing us that excellence is a deeply personal journey, not a universal standard.
Why Striving for Excellence Matters Today
In our modern world, the concept of “arête” still resonates. Excellence isn’t a fixed destination—it’s a moving target, an ongoing process of growth and self-improvement. Whether you’re an artist, athlete, or entrepreneur, striving for excellence means consistently pushing your boundaries.
Examples from Real Life:
- Sports: Kobe Bryant famously practiced for hours before games, focusing on perfecting even the most basic moves. His dedication to improvement embodied “arête.”
- Art: Vincent van Gogh created over 900 paintings in his lifetime, constantly experimenting and refining his craft, even though he wasn’t recognized during his life.
- Business: Elon Musk exemplifies “arête” by continually innovating, from electric cars to space exploration, pushing the limits of what’s possible.
How to Apply “Arête” in Your Life
Striving for excellence starts with recognizing and embracing your strengths. Here’s how you can incorporate “arête” into your daily life:
Master the Basics
- Example from Sports: Michael Jordan spent hours practicing free throws, perfecting what others might consider simple. His mastery of fundamentals set him apart as one of the greatest basketball players in history.
- Takeaway: No matter your field, excellence begins with mastering the basics.
Set Meaningful Goals
- Break your ambitions into achievable milestones. For example, if you’re a writer, aim to write 500 words a day instead of finishing an entire novel at once.
- Celebrate progress, not just the end result.
Embrace Failure as Growth
- Failure is an inevitable part of the journey to excellence. Thomas Edison, for example, failed thousands of times before inventing the light bulb. Each failure brought him closer to success.
- Takeaway: Use setbacks as opportunities to learn and improve.
Seek Inspiration from Others
- Surround yourself with people who strive for their own “arête.” Join communities, attend workshops, or read biographies of individuals who embody excellence.
- Example: Simone Biles, one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, inspires millions with her relentless pursuit of improvement.
Practical Tips for Striving Toward Excellence
- Practice with Intention: Dedicate time to improving your craft every day. Even 15 minutes of focused effort can lead to significant progress over time.
- Be Open to Feedback: Seek constructive criticism from mentors or peers and use it to refine your skills.
- Stay Humble: Remember, excellence is a journey. Even the best constantly work to improve.
- Approach Routine Tasks with Fresh Eyes: Whether it’s a work presentation or a daily workout, look for new ways to innovate and improve.
Example: A chef perfecting their signature dish might tweak ingredients, plating, or cooking techniques to elevate the experience each time.
Recommended Resources
Books:
- Atomic Habits by James Clear – A practical guide to building small habits that lead to big results.
- Grit by Angela Duckworth – Insights into the power of passion and perseverance.
- Mastery by Robert Greene – Explores the lives of great achievers and how they reached mastery in their fields.
Films:
- The Pursuit of Happyness – A story of resilience and striving for a better future.
- Whiplash – A raw look at the sacrifices and dedication required to achieve greatness.
- Free Solo – An inspiring documentary about pushing human limits.
Influencers:
- Jocko Willink: Former Navy SEAL who emphasizes discipline and leadership.
- Marie Forleo: Offers practical advice on pursuing excellence in business and personal growth.
- Mel Robbins: Focuses on motivation and overcoming procrastination.
Excellence Is a Moving Target
Excellence is not about being the best in the world; it’s about being the best version of yourself. It’s about embracing your strengths, striving for growth, and approaching every task with intention and courage.
Remember: Your best today may not be your best tomorrow, and that’s okay. The journey to excellence is about progress, not perfection.
Are you ready to embody your “arête” and unlock your potential?