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Greek influences in modern society
The difference and similarity between ancient Greek and modern democracy
Greek influences in modern society
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When you think of Ancient Greek culture and Modern American culture you wouldn’t automatically assume that they share very many things. When you think of Ancient Greece you may think of togas and Mount Olympus, but by defaulting to these things one overlooks the more important things that Greece gave the world, and America in particular.
The foundation of Ancient Greek and American society are the same, freedom. Ancient Greece introduced the world to a new way of ruling. As democracy gained popularity in the area it was proven to be one of the most successful ways to create a strong nation while still preserving the lives and creativity of it’s people. It was so successful, that it was adopted by America when our country was formed and is
Life in Italy is much different than life in the United States. Italians live at a much slower pace, than American’s and they have a desire to enjoy life instead of rushing through it as many American lifestyles exhibit (Zimmermann, K. (2015). The extended family is very important in Italy, whereas in the United States, the focus tends to be on the nuclear family, which includes mom, dad, and children (Zimmermann, 2015). The differences in Italian culture and American culture are vast and varied, but with a few comparable components to demonstrate similarities.
In comparing the Ancient Athenian system of government, and the Modern Day American political system, there are many similarities. In Ancient Athens, democracy was developed in response to a long history of oppressive rulers who used their position of power for their own benefit. Ancient Athenians sought a government where all citizens were considered equal under the eyes of the law, and all had a fair say in the running of their country. Following a series
From 500 AD to 500 B.C, during the classical era, Rome and Greece, developed and settled along the Mediterranean Sea. Within these 1000 years, both Rome and Greece went through multiple transitions of power and struggled to maintaining peace. America learned from Greece and Rome’s mistakes and evolved into a more successful version of the two civilizations. The two civilizations did not only teach United States, but they also influenced American culture and infrastructure. Although Greece contributed to many elements of modern day America, Rome had a larger influence on America through the use of democracy, economy, and advancement in culture.
The Ancient Greek contribution ranged by the 1900-133 BC, however its influence on the Western Literate Society lasts to this day. As the Greeks expanded their empire, they spread their ideas to other countries, while also borrowing from other cultures. During this period of time, the Greeks made many significant and long-lasting contribution to our modern culture in Philosophy, Art, Democracy, Drama, Math, and Science. These givings of important ideas, inventions, and structures have had an extraordinary influence on the surrounding environment, society, and in the future. The essential contribution of Greeks to the Western Civilization are Democracy, Art, and Philosophy.
Of course, one of the most noticeable differences is the ancient Greek tendency to fear the gods, because they could kill men with ease. In modern American culture we tend to not bow to anyone and a percentage of us don't fear a god. Believers usually view their god as a kind, charitable, and benevolent entity. Some may pray to and believe in him, but we still go about our own lives, preferring to have control of ourselves. Another point of contest between Ancient Greek and American values; is their very different ideas of justice and consequence. In the Greek value system they encourage strict and swift revenge on anyone that wrongs them, while the American system is more compassionate, placing greater emphasis on forgiveness and even rehabilitation. Greek revenge can be found in the Odyssey, when Polyphemus wishes death on Odysseus after being blinded. Poseidon hears the call and attempts to kill Odysseus. In an American system, Polyphemus may show more forgiveness, and Poseidon would attempt to give Odysseus a fair sentence of trying to murder
Ancient Greece has always been known as the civilization that created the mold of the Western society that we live in today. It had influenced the world in a way that no other civilization had. However, such a great civilization didn’t last long. The reason for this is its people failure to form unity.
It is always important to look to the past in order to move towards the future. This was done in the formation of Western Society, and more specifically the formation of American society. The Greek culture served as a frame of reference for many aspects of Western life including government, architecture, math and the arts. Ancient Greek culture served as a very broad base for our society to be built upon.
Many people liked the ideal change from an ancient Romanesque republic to an ancient Greek democracy. After visiting the United States during the early 1830’s, Alexis de Tocqueville put all of his observations into a book entitled Democracy in America. In this significant book, he depicted democracy as “not only deficient in that soundness of judgment which is necessary to select men really deserving of its confidence, but it has neither desire nor the inclination of find them…” (Document 3)
In this paper I am going to write about Greek Americans. My paper will include detail about Greek Americans such as residence and housing, date and place of origin, economic activities, education, kinship, traditions and religion as well as their future in the United States.
“The Greeks molded the mind of Western Civilization, if not the body and the culture” (PowerPoint #6). The Greeks had a very powerful impact on the entire world, making them a huge influence to Western culture. The Greeks showed their power over the world by their great intellect. Through their accomplishments in art, architecture, government, philosophy, education, and science they helped shape Western Civilization. They built strong and intricate buildings, allowing others to see throughout history the plan of the architecture used. The Greek government was one of the first to have a Democracy. Their ac...
Could you imagine life in the United States today without concepts like democracy, libraries, the alphabet, art, philosophy, mathematics and certain architectural features? (Anonemuss, 2010) Everyday life would be completely changed without these innovations as well as many others. So where did we get these ideas from first? Well it dates back to the Greeks and Romans. Many aspects of modern life have been influenced from their cultures, ideas and inventions. Then there is also the question whether classical Greece or classical Rome influenced the contemporary United States more. In my opinion Classical Greece has had more of an impact on our lives. In fact it had been stated that the Greeks are considered the first group of people from ancient civilization in which our society feels like they can connect and relate t. (Kreis, 2000)
The Greeks and the Romans, two completely different civilizations and yet so similar. They both had their different customs and traditions and may have been years apart, but they are the same, or as the same two different people can be. Both had the ability for greatness, and both were able to create a far reaching empire full of many different types of people.
Life in Greece in ancient times would remind you of your own life in many ways. There was school, family, athletic competition, and social gatherings. Knowing that participants in their sporting events competed nude or that you rarely knew your husband/wife until the wedding day does however, make you grateful for the society that you live in today.
The democratic system developed by the Ancient Greeks influenced the western democratic systems seen today, mainly in Europe and North America. The Ancient Greeks introduced our concepts of citizens' rights, rule by the people, and right to fair trial.
In conclusion, Ancient Greek Civilization resulted in a rise of political ideas and a culture that influenced the ancient world and future civilizations. Ancient Greeks influenced the Ancient world and the modern world greatly politically, intellectually, and artistically. The Greeks progressed from living in small settlements into owning a great empire that expanded from the west to the east, and from north to south throughout the world. The unique geography of Greece and the rise of its city-states resulted in great diverse influences to everyone that has ever lived. Greek societies taught us so much, and without them people would most probably be way less intellectual and a lot less creative, and I think that Greeks should be always thanked for the knowledge they gave to humanity. Due to all of this, Greek is the birth of civilization.