At one point did we *prefer* the exotic, strange and weird contrary to our own?
Aristotle on ethnocentrism quotes
Aristotle expressed several views that can be interpreted as ethnocentric, particularly in his works “Politics” and “Nicomachean Ethics.” Here are a couple of notable quotes that reflect his perspective on different peoples, especially in the context of Greeks and ‘barbarians’:
- On Natural Slavery: In “Politics,” Aristotle famously states, “For that some should rule and others be ruled is a thing not only necessary but expedient; from the hour of their birth, some are marked out for subjection, others for rule.” This quote is often interpreted as justifying the domination of non-Greeks, whom he saw as naturally suited to be ruled.
- Cultural Superiority: Aristotle also made a clear distinction between Greeks and non-Greeks in terms of their capacity for virtue and rationality. He asserted, “The barbarian and the slave have no part in happiness, nor in a life choice-worthy; but happiness is activity in accordance with virtue, and therefore it is for the free man and the man of birth and education.”
These quotes are indicative of the prevailing attitudes of many Greeks during Aristotle’s time. They reflect a worldview where Greeks were seen as inherently more rational and virtuous, and thus naturally suited to rule over ‘barbarians,’ who were considered lacking in these qualities. Aristotle’s ethnocentric views were influential and echoed in various forms throughout Western philosophy and political thought.
Negative thoughts
Focusing on the negative views of the Ancient Greeks towards foreigners, several key aspects stand out:
- “Barbarians” Label: The term “barbarian” was commonly used by the Greeks to refer to non-Greeks. It originally referred to the unintelligible speech of foreigners, sounding like “bar-bar” to Greek ears, but over time it took on a connotation of cultural and intellectual inferiority.
- Aristotle’s Ethnocentrism: Aristotle’s views were notably ethnocentric. He argued that non-Greeks were more emotional and less rational, making them naturally suited to be ruled. This view justified the subjugation of non-Greeks and influenced later Western thought on race and ethnicity.
- Cultural Superiority: Many Greeks believed in their cultural superiority, viewing their art, politics, and philosophy as unparalleled. This belief fostered a dismissive attitude towards foreign cultures and customs.
- Xenophobia in Athens: Despite Athens’ reputation for relative openness, there were strong elements of xenophobia. Foreigners living in Athens, known as metics, were often treated as second-class residents, required to pay special taxes and denied political rights.
- Sparta’s Isolationism: Sparta, in contrast to Athens, was highly isolationist and distrustful of outside influences. Spartans were discouraged from traveling abroad, and foreign visitors were closely monitored, reflecting a deep-seated suspicion of foreign influences.
- Theatrical Portrayals: In Greek tragedy and comedy, foreigners were often depicted as barbaric, deceitful, or morally inferior. These portrayals reinforced stereotypes and justified Greek superiority.
- Fear of Persians: The Greco-Persian Wars significantly influenced Greek views on foreigners. The Persians were often depicted as the quintessential barbarians, tyrannical and luxurious, in contrast to the perceived freedom and simplicity of the Greeks.
These negative views were not universally held or unchanging, but they played a significant role in shaping Greek attitudes towards other cultures and peoples. They reflect the complexities and contradictions in Greek society, where intellectual curiosity about the world coexisted with strong notions of cultural superiority.
Ancient Greek thoughts on the foreign
Ancient Greek perspectives on the “foreign” or foreigners, often termed as “barbarians,” were complex and varied significantly among different thinkers and eras.
- Homer and Hesiod: In the earliest texts like the works of Homer and Hesiod, foreigners were often depicted as noble and sometimes even superior in certain aspects. They were seen as part of the rich tapestry of the world.
- Herodotus: Known as the ‘Father of History’, Herodotus showed a remarkable openness and curiosity about foreign cultures. He traveled extensively and documented different customs and beliefs without much of the ethnocentric bias that was common at the time.
- Sophocles and Euripides: Playwrights like Sophocles and Euripides often used foreign characters in their plays. While they sometimes portrayed them as barbaric or less civilized, there were also instances of sympathy and understanding towards them.
- Athenian Democracy: In classical Athens, the concept of citizenship was closely guarded, and foreigners (metics) had a different status. While they could live and work in Athens, they were not afforded the same rights as citizens. This reflects a kind of exclusivity in their view of who belonged to their society.
- Philosophers’ Views:
- Plato: Plato’s ideas about foreigners were mixed. In some dialogues, he seems to advocate for a kind of universalism, while in others, like “The Laws,” he suggests more stringent measures against foreigners.
- Aristotle: Aristotle had a more clearly defined ethnocentric view. He considered non-Greeks as barbarians and inherently suited to be ruled over, which was reflective of the prevalent attitudes in later classical Greece.
- Hellenistic Period: In the Hellenistic period, following Alexander the Great’s conquests, there was a significant cultural exchange. This era saw a more cosmopolitan view, blending Greek and Eastern elements, showing an increased respect and integration of foreign ideas and practices.
- Stoicism: The Stoics, like Zeno and later Roman Stoics like Seneca and Marcus Aurelius, advocated for a kind of cosmopolitanism, viewing all humans as part of a single community.
These perspectives were not just reflections of their times but also influenced how Greek culture interacted with and perceived the wider world. It’s a testament to the diversity of thought in ancient Greece, from insular and ethnocentric to remarkably open and cosmopolitan.