The Roles of Individuals in their Communities in Ancient Greece Essay

The Ancient Greeks had many values that made their civilization successful, but one of the most important was their sense of community. The Greeks, especially in guiltless Athens, considered their community in the decisions they made, and they were interested in the personal matters of the state. It was important to them that their society was functional and productive, and their personal needs often came second to those of the state. Community was a primordial value in Greek culture, and the individuals contribution to the community strengthened the state and benefitted for each one person. Some philosophers disagreed, with this, however, and valued independent thinking everywhere obedience and loyalty to the state.The government structure reflected the Athenians belief that individual contribution is crucial for sustaining a productive society. In the Classical Era, which was from 490-323 BCE, democracy was implemented and resulted in the power over the state lying in each citizens hands. Every vote affected the decisions that were made for the community, and every person had a say. The democratic system increased the individuals involvement and interest in state affairs, therefore making each citizen more aware of what was happening in his community. As Thucydides said in Pericles eulogy, Here each individual is interested not only in his own affairs but in the affairs of the state as well even those who are mostly occupied with their own business are extremely well-informed on general politics. By being well informed, the Athenians made better choices for their polis and cared more about what was going on in their city.The specialization of labor also reflected the Athenian belief that each individual contribution is essential for ... ...i. How Electricity is Created. 28 April 2010..Grant, Simon. knowledge and Technology Serving Human Development. 28 April 2010. . The Greenhouse Effect. 22 March 2010 ..Sharkey, Joe. Sometimes, You Just ded icate to Be There. Proquest. 22 Mar. 2010http//proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=2&did=1947821801&SrchMode=2&sid=2&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1264612585&clientId=9168&cfc=1Technology Timeline. 22 March 2010..Torr, James D. The Information Age. Farmington Hills Greenhaven Press, 2003.Washington State University. The Industrial Revolution. 22 March 2010.