The Importance of a Sound Mind and Body in Homer's Odyssey
If one were to only have a very fit and strong body, lacking mental ability,
to the Greeks it would not suffice. If a man were merely smart and intelligent,
without much physical capability, the Greeks would feel that he is not complete.
They believed an individual must have have both, a well developed mind and a fit
body, not only one or the other, to be ideal. This is the Greek concept of a
sound mind and body. In Homer's Odyssey, Odysseus and Telemachos, had to have
and/or achieve a sound mind and body, to be the successful and outstanding
characters of the epic. The ones who lacked these quality suffered and paid for
it in the end.
In Books one and two, Telemachos acts immaturely and lacks mental
prowess. For this reason he makes his life difficult. Yet, Later on he matures
and gains a sound mind. Telemachos certainly has a sound body. Menelaos says of
how "...it amazes me quite, how this young man(Telemachos) looks exactly like
Odysseus, strong and mighty"{page 47}. Yet, he is criticized by others, for the
reason that he does not have a sound mind. In an attempt to stand his ground, in
front of the council he breaks down into tears. Antinoos says "Telemachos you
are a boaster, and you don't know how to keep your temper!"{page 24}. Telemachos
made an attempt to express his valid point of view, and does so, but fails to
convince the council. He breaks down in tears, showing how immature he really is.
He does not have a sound mind. The council basked in this weakness and was even
more critical of him at that point. Later on, he is told of how "(Tele...
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...the other-hand, the ones that lacked either a
sound mind or body, failed. Odysseus and Telemachos were able to find each other
and win back their home, while the suitors and even Achilles were robbed of
their lives. It is a fact that a sound mind and body were an essential ideal in
the ancient Greek society and The Odyssey.
Works Cited and Consulted
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Rengakos, Antonios. Homertext und die Hellenistichen Dichter. Hermes. Einzelschriften, Heft 64. Stuttgart, F. Steiner, 1993.
Heubeck, Alfred, J.B. Hainsworth, et al. A commentary on Homer's Odyssey. 3 Vols. Oxford PA4167 .H4813 1988
Homer. The Odyssey. Norton Anthology of World Masterpieces. Vol. 1. Trans. Robert Fitzgerald. New York: W.W. Norton and Co., 1995.
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The major areas of my values and ethics can be summarized in six words: excellence, personal integrity, responsibility, ambition, accountability, and determination. Excellence guides me when setting targets in all my undertakings; I normally strive to achieve my best. Personal integrity and accountability enable me to make sound judgments to avoid engaging in actions that will hurt me and/or other people around me. Responsibility is important to me as it enables me to identify the part I need to play in my family, at the workplace, and in the community. Lastly, ambition and determination are applicable in providing me with the momentum needed to ensure that all my initiatives and tasks are done to completion.
Everyone in this world has experienced an ethical dilemma in different situations and this may arise between one or more individuals. Ethical dilemma is a situation where people have to make complex decisions and are influenced based on personal interest, social environment or norms, and religious beliefs (“Strategic Leadership”, n.d.). The leaders and managers in the company should set guidelines to ensure employees are aware and have a better chance to solve and make ethical decisions. Employees are also responsible in understanding their ethical obligations in order to maintain a positive work environment. The purpose of this case study is to identify the dilemma and analyze different decisions to find ways on how a person should act
Edwards, Mark. A Historical Introduction to the Iliad and the Odyssey. Newark, Del.: University of Delaware Press, 1981.
4. Write out specific statements that will assist you and others in making day-to-day ethical decisions.