Kalos: beautiful, agathos— good, virtuous.
From meghs— like the meglapsychom— mega, great, grand, superior supreme.
*megh2s— big, great, grand.
kalos
“Kalokagathia” is a classical Greek concept that elegantly combines the ideas of physical beauty and moral virtue. It’s derived from the Greek words “kalos” (καλός), meaning beautiful, and “agathos” (ἀγαθός), meaning good or virtuous. The term embodies the ideal of the complete human personality, harmonizing both the body and the soul.
In the context of ancient Greek culture, kalokagathia was not just an aesthetic ideal but a moral and ethical one as well. It was believed that physical beauty was a reflection of inner goodness and moral integrity. Therefore, someone who was physically attractive was also expected to be noble, brave, and virtuous.
This concept was deeply embedded in Greek education and culture. Physical training (gymnastics) and mental education (music and arts) were both considered essential for the development of a well-rounded individual. The physical aspect focused on developing strength, health, and beauty, while the mental and moral aspect focused on wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance.
Kalokagathia has influenced Western thought profoundly, contributing to ideals in art, literature, and philosophy. It reflects the holistic Greek view of human development, where cultivating the body and the mind were seen as inseparable parts of achieving excellence and living a fulfilling life. This concept resonates with your interest in philosophy and innovation, as it underscores the importance of balancing physical well-being with intellectual and moral development.
The beautiful is good, the ugly is bad and evil?
What do you think was the physique of Achilles
The physique of Achilles, as depicted in ancient Greek literature and art, is a fascinating topic. In Greek mythology, Achilles was renowned for his extraordinary strength, agility, and martial prowess, symbolizing the ideal Greek warrior. Physically, he would likely have been portrayed as muscular and well-proportioned, embodying the Greek ideal of physical perfection known as “kalokagathia,” which links beauty with goodness.
Artists and poets of the time often emphasized the hero’s physical attributes to reflect his semi-divine status (being the son of the nymph Thetis and the mortal Peleus). His body would be sculpted to represent the epitome of masculine beauty and strength, with a lean, muscular build, broad shoulders, and a strong, athletic form, fitting for a warrior of his renown.
Moreover, in the “Iliad,” Homer describes Achilles as swift-footed and handsome, adding to his portrayal as a formidable and almost untouchable warrior in battle. This image of Achilles has permeated Western art and literature, influencing how we conceptualize the heroic and idealized male form in various cultural contexts.
So, while we can’t know his exact physique, Achilles’ portrayal in ancient Greek culture suggests a figure of exceptional physical prowess and beauty, befitting his legendary status as one of the greatest warriors of Greek mythology.