The thought of arete may bring varying images or meanings to mind, whether it is a sharp ridge of a mountain or the act of living up to your highest human potential; It is the essence of pure excellence one may strive for in this life time. When you strive to live a life arete, you are living on the edge, on this edge you are unafraid to fall, knowing that you will only be brought up higher. It is not a life of mediocrity nor is it a life of mindless living. It is about being brave in the face of adversity. In Homeric times it was neither masculine nor feminine. It was the true essence of you beyond what this physical world can see. In society we define ones potential based on their physical form, segregating those who are thought to be unworthy or weak. Men from women; Rich from poor. Forgetting that inside, we are all one.

Whether you are an Olympic athlete, stay at home mom, doctor, or janitor; you all have the opportunity to live a life arete. You must take a hold of this life that you were given, good or bad, rich or poor, fat or skinny, and embrace the challenges, conditions, and each opportunity as though it was your last.

Live your life arete.