It was fascinating to sit in the footsteps of the Acropolis accompanied by the Agora and several of the other major ruins. In a uniquely democratic society, the leader of Ancient had to incentivize gatherings to build community and spread ideas. One leader in particular used a system of canals for washing and drinking water to connect the tribes within Athens and another set up yearly festivals to gather the city together and create a memorable experience where patriotism and collectivism were at the forefront. Another created the Olympic games which is one of the most spectacular public events in world history. Creating competition and emphasizing the importance of fitness and self-defense gave Greeks something to be united on even when the city-states disagreed elsewhere.
Since people’s basic needs were met they changed from narrating stories to interpreting them in a humorous way known as plays. It was interesting to see where certain root words are ingrained in the English language such as Pharmacia or “medicine from a snake” which could be used to help or hurt those who utilized a snake’s venom. We now use the word for our pharmacies. Ostracism is another word passed down from the Greek language. When Athenian navy commander Themistocles saved Athens from destruction by devising a unique plan to defeat Persian ships, the people sent him away for ten years for being too powerful a figure for democracy. They say he was ostracized – a word we use today. I was surprised that the American film 300 was so accurate in its portrayal of these events.
Before Paul talked on Mars Hill about the “unknown god” and set in place one of the largest theological transformations of time, people used myths to explain creation. They said that certain gods made the world what it is. This changed when a series of Socratic philosophers decided to challenge the mysteries of the world in ways other than the marketing tools for telling Greek history. Socrates challenged the status quo by having uncomfortable conversations. Plato recorded this method of teaching and learning and expanded on it with an academy. Aristotle tied this all together to then pass his knowledge on to the greatest leader in Greek history.
These visits are the birth of the first ideas of global leadership. If studied properly a student graduating from A&M today could apply these to fix the polarization of the government and the lack of cooperation in American enterprise.