The Roles of Individuals in their Communities in Ancient Greece Essay

The Ancient Greeks had many values that made their civilization successful, but superstar of the most important was their sense of community. The Greeks, especially in Classical Athens, considered their community in the decisions they made, and they were interested in the affairs of the deposit. It was important to them that their society was functional and productive, and their personalized needs often came second to those of the state. Community was a central value in Greek culture, and the individuals contribution to the community strengthened the state and benefitted each person. Some philosophers disagreed, with this, however, and valued independent thinking over 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, so making each citizen more aware of what was happening in his community. As Thucydides said in Pericles eulogy, Here each individual is interested not totally in his own affairs but in the affairs of the state as well even those who are mostly occupied with their own fear 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. Information and Technology Serving piece Development. 28 April 2010. . The Greenhouse Effect. 22 March 2010 ..Sharkey, Joe. Sometimes, You Just Have to Be There. Proqu est. 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&chlorofluorocarbon=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.