31 -

Shun evil

Career Success Communication Skills Confidence Building Emotional Intelligence Growth Mindset Health & Wellness Relationships Self Discovery

31 -

Κακίας ἀπέχου

Avoid malice and cultivate kindness, creating an environment of mutual respect and peace.

Let’s avoid malice and malevolence in our behavior and actions, always striving to act with integrity and kindness. The importance of innocence, kindness, and solidarity in our actions and behavior, is emphasized. By refraining from malice, we can create an environment of mutual respect, peace, and harmony. Our positive attitude and empathy towards others can encourage them to adopt similar attitudes, contributing to the spread of kindness.

The Philosopher

Thales

Greek Philosopher

(625-540 B.C.)

Thales, a figure marking the beginning of philosophical thought in the West, lived in Miletus of Ionia from around 640, or 624 BC to 546 BC. Recognized as the oldest Pre-Socratic philosopher, the first of the Seven Sages of antiquity and founder of the Ionian School of natural philosophy.

Philosophical and Scientific Approach

Thales made a radical shift, in the way of understanding the world, abandoning mythological interpretations in favour of a more scientific and rational mode of thinking. He attempted to explain natural phenomena, such as solar eclipses, based on physical processes, thus paving the way for scientific research and thought.

Scientific Achievements

Thales discovered essential elements of the physical world and celestial phenomena, including solstices, the phases of the moon and the principles of electricity and magnetism. Geometry was another area of his interest, with his most famous contribution being the measurement of the height of the pyramids in Egypt using shadows.

Thales’ Theorem

One of Thales’ most significant achievements is the theorem named after him, which pertains to the proportions created, when parallel lines are intersected by other lines, thus deeply influencing the development of geometry.

Legacy and Impact

Thales, not only changed the way people viewed the natural world, but also laid the foundations for subsequent philosophers and scientists, who followed his path in seeking knowledge through reason, science and mathematics. His timeless impact on science, philosophy and education makes Thales one of the most significant figures in the history of human thought.

Further Material

The Banality of Evil: Hannah Arendt on the Normalization of Human Wickedness and Our Only Effective Antidote to It

This article from Brain Pickings discusses the concept of «the banality of evil,» exploring how ordinary people can commit heinous acts. It serves as a reminder of the importance of shunning evil in our daily lives.
https://www.themarginalian.org/2017/02/07/hannah-arendt-the-banality-of-evil/
(By following the provided link, you will be redirected to a third-party website to access the relevant content)

Evil Prevails When Good People Do Nothing

This article on ResearchGate examines the role of bystanders in ethical dilemmas, particularly in the context of whistleblowing. It discusses how bystanders can either choose to act (good) or remain indifferent (evil) in situations where moral judgment is required. The article explores the psychological and societal factors that influence people to either intervene in unjust situations or stay passive. It brings to light the complexities of moral choices in modern contexts, especially when personal risks are involved.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/367888109_Evil_Prevails_When_Good_People_Do_Nothing/link/63ddcbb5c97bd76a8263e3bc/download?_tp=eyJjb250ZXh0Ijp7ImZpcnN0UGFnZSI6InB1YmxpY2F0aW9uIiwicGFnZSI6InB1YmxpY2F0aW9uIn19
(By following the provided link, you will be redirected to a third-party website to access the relevant content)

Exploring the Eternal Struggle between Good and Evil

This essay from GradesFixer discusses the importance of recognizing that the triumph of good over evil often requires deliberate action, collective efforts, and a commitment to ethical principles. It emphasizes that while the narrative of good overcoming evil is inspirational, it should not lead to complacency. The essay also highlights the role of individual agency and responsibility in societal dynamics, such as addressing social injustices and challenging oppressive structures. It encourages reflecting on one’s ethical compass and the impact of actions on society.
https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/exploring-the-eternal-struggle-between-good-and-evil/
(By following the provided link, you will be redirected to a third-party website to access the relevant content)

The Good Versus Evil Debate: Exploring Both Sides

This article from Shortform provides an insightful exploration of the concepts of good and evil from a philosophical standpoint. It discusses how actions and choices can be influenced by various factors, including societal pressures, personal virtues, and circumstantial morals. The article draws upon different philosophical and psychological theories to explain how individuals navigate the moral landscape, often influenced by their environment and internal moral compass. It also touches upon the ideas of Aristotle and the moral education necessary to cultivate virtues.
https://www.shortform.com/blog/good-versus-evil/
(By following the provided link, you will be redirected to a third-party website to access the relevant content)

Virtue Ethics on Cambridge Core

This article discusses how virtue ethics, a prominent form of ethics from ancient Greece to the modern era, focuses on the qualities that enable a fulfilling life. It explains Aristotle’s view that each virtue is a balance between two extremes. The article also touches upon how virtue ethics evolved over time, adapting to changes in societal norms and understanding. However, it faded away as people started questioning the bedrock of the moral life and human nature during the early modern history period.
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/think/article/virtue-ethics/87DFEB834EEBFCA9D4B295CDC743DDC9
(By following the provided link, you will be redirected to a third-party website to access the relevant content)

Virtue Ethics: What it is and How it Works

This article offers an introduction to virtue ethics, tracing its origins to ancient Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating moral character and contrasts virtue ethics with other ethical theories like consequentialism and deontology. The article also explores how virtue ethics can guide moral decision-making in various scenarios, highlighting its focus on character development and moral excellence.
https://www.philosophos.org/ethics-virtue-ethics
(By following the provided link, you will be redirected to a third-party website to access the relevant content)

Frequently Asked Questions

Delphic Maxims and the Ancient sages

What are the Delphic Maxims?

These are succinct phrases, just a few words, aimed at guiding individuals in their daily lives, you can learn more here.

Who are the Seven Ancient Sages?

The seven ancient sages were: Thales of Miletus, Pittacus of Mytilene, Bias of Priene, Solon of Athens, Cleobulus of Rhodes, Periander of Corinth, and Chilon of Sparta. More details can be found here.

Are the Delphic Maxims part of a religion?

The Delphic Maxims are a spiritual creation of the seven ancient sages, given as a precious legacy to the Oracle of Delphi. Traditionally, these maxims were directly given by Apollo (Greek ancient God) to the Oracle of Delphi.

I have a question that wasn’t answered above. How can I contact someone?

You can reach us through our contact form or send an email to: info@delphicmaxims.org.

Basic info

What is an NGO?

NGOs are corporate forms of private law, that maintain all the rights and obligations of other legal entities, but are the only types of companies that can receive donations and grants.

Is Delphic Maxims is an NGO?

Delphic Maxims is a Non-Profit Organization where, as an NGO, the distribution of profits to members is prohibited, as profits must remain within the company, for future use.

What is the mission of Delphic Maxims?

Our goal is to present the Delphic Maxims as an empowering guide for personal progress and development, through our website and app, you can learn more here.

What are the Three Foremost Maxims?

These are the three most important Delphic Maxims, that were located on a column in the pronaos, in order to be visible of every visitor, at once! You can learn more here.

I have a question that wasn’t answered above. How can I contact someone?

You can reach us through our contact form or send an email to: info@delphicmaxims.org.

Donations

How can I get a receipt for my donation for tax purposes?

A receipt will be sent automatically within 5 business days after your donation. If you do not receive it, please contact us either through the contact form or at info@delphicmaxims.org.

Can I see the results from my donation?

Every participant in the efforts of Delphic Maxims, whether as a donor, or volunteer, can vote on the next projects to be implemented by the NGO, which will be updated through the website, or newsletter.

What is the tax ID number of Delphic Maxims?

The tax ID number of Delphic Maxims is EL 996671830, and the GEMI (registration) number is 171245707000.

Which is the importance of donations and volunteering?

Contributing to Delphic Maxims, in any way, helps to spread the Delphic Maxims and supports the sustainability of the Company to fulfil its mission.

I have a question that wasn’t answered above. How can I contact someone?

You can reach us through our contact form or send an email to: info@delphicmaxims.org.

Further Material

How are articles linked to the Delphic Maxims?

Articles are chosen based on their relevance to the respective Delphic Maxim, not necessarily referring directly to them, demonstrating the timelessness and cultural depth of the Maxims.

I have a question that wasn’t answered above. How can I contact someone?

You can reach us through our contact form or send an email to: info@delphicmaxims.org.

Blog

Who writes the articles on our blog?

Articles on the Delphic Maxims blog are written by team members and volunteers, you can also contribute by clicking here.

What topics do our blog articles cover?

The theme of the articles is related to a Delphic Maxim or its interpretation, including any issues or events that lead to self-improvement, creativity, and inspiration for the audience, providing answers and positive reflections on personal development.

I have a question that wasn’t answered above. How can I contact someone?

You can reach us through our contact form or send an email to: info@delphicmaxims.org.