60 -

Be jealous of no one

Career Success Communication Skills Confidence Building Emotional Intelligence Growth Mindset Productivity Relationships Time Management

60 -

Φθόνει μηδενί

Rid yourself of jealousy and envy by recognizing the value of others and wishing them the best, thereby creating a positive environment.

We should encourage empathy and positive thinking, rejecting jealousy and envy towards others. Instead of viewing the success of others as a threat, we should recognize it as motivation for our own growth and always wish the best for everyone. By focusing on our personal development and supporting others in their endeavors, we can contribute to the creation of a more harmonious, positive and supportive environment, where everyone can succeed and feel appreciated for their efforts.

The Philosopher

Chilon

Greek Philosopher

(600-520 B.C.)

Chilon, the son of Damagetos, one of the Seven Sages of antiquity, was born in Sparta, in 600 BC and served as Ephor in 556 BC (during the 56th Olympiad). His governance was marked by success and left a significant imprint on the history of the Spartan regime, enhancing the institution of the Ephors and reducing royal power, in favour of popular sovereignty.

Philosophy and Laconism

Known for his brevity, Chilon represented Laconism, the art of concise and substantive expression. His wisdom, moral integrity and insight, made him an admired figure for subsequent philosophers and later generations.

Teachings and Maxims

For Chilon, the most challenging things for a person were keeping secrets, temperance and enduring injustice. His maxims, such as “Nothing in excess,” “Know thyself,” and “Surety brings ruin,” reflect his deep understanding of human weaknesses and the need for self-awareness and moderation.

Significantly, when asked what is most difficult for a person, he replied: “To keep secrets, to properly dispose of one’s anger and to endure being wronged”… the most difficult for a person is to keep secrets, control their nerves and suffer injustice.

Legacy and Memory

Chilon’s death in Pisa, Sicily, was marked by a fortunate death, occurring as his son returned victorious from the Olympic Games. Sparta honored his memory with a statue and an epigram praising his wisdom and his contributions to the warlike city. Chilon’s sayings at Delphi reflect his enduring influence on the ancient Greek world and the history of philosophy.

Further Material

Can Envy Be Good for You?

This text explores the complex nature of envy, contrasting it with admiration. Envy arises from the perception of someone having an advantage meaningful and comparable to the envious person. Two types of envy are identified: benign and malicious. Benign envy, although painful, inspires personal improvement and hard work, akin to admiration. Malicious envy, on the other hand, leads to negative feelings and complaints about the person envied. Research suggests that benign envy can drive positive change and improvement, making it a complex and potentially constructive emotion, albeit an uncomfortable one.
https://www.newyorker.com/science/maria-konnikova/can-envy-be-good-for-you
(By following the provided link, you will be redirected to a third-party website to access the relevant content)

Emotion in Politics: Envy, Jealousy, and Rulership in Archaic and Classical Greece

This dissertation delves into the link between envy, jealousy, and rulership in ancient Greek literature, particularly evident in works by Homer, Hesiod, Sophocles, and Herodotus. Envy and jealousy, often associated with negative consequences, are closely tied to rulers, with the divine realm being an exception where they serve to restore order. These emotions frequently revolve around issues of honor, causing rulers to attract envy and exhibit jealousy. Over time, the association of envy and jealousy with rulership contributed to the negative perceptions of tyranny and further vilification of these emotions, especially during the rise of Athenian influence.
https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/handle/2027.42/143951/mkutter_1.pdf
(By following the provided link, you will be redirected to a third-party website to access the relevant content)

Envy — Sin that’s ‘no fun at all’ has elements of pride, greed, anger

This text explores the concept of envy among the seven deadly sins and its unique characteristics. Unlike the other sins, envy lacks any apparent upside and is often hidden. Envy revolves around wanting what others have, particularly those in one’s close circle. It can lead to self-pity and destructive behaviors. Envy is attributed to feelings of insecurity and a lack of gratitude. Overcoming envy is suggested through developing gratitude and humility while trusting in a higher power.
https://www.deseret.com/2006/4/8/19946996/envy-151-sin-that-s-no-fun-at-all-has-elements-of-pride-greed-anger
(By following the provided link, you will be redirected to a third-party website to access the relevant content)

The Moral Value Of Envy

In this text, the author discusses their experience of feeling envy towards their neighbor’s beautiful garden. They acknowledge that envy is often considered morally wrong but argue for the moral value of envy. The author contends that envy can be a valuable feature of moral life as it is partially constitutive of valuing certain goods and talents that contribute to the kind of lives one wants to live. They emphasize that not every episode of envy is morally good, but having a propensity for envy can be morally valuable.
https://works.swarthmore.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1229&context=fac-philosophy
(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.