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A Quick Glance at Some Essential Concepts
Living, being, is the activity of a maker, a crafter. You. However deeply each of us are aware of that fact of existence, we are from moment-to-moment crafting of our own lives. This is of fundamental importance.
In ancient Mediterranean philosophy, the term téchnē (τέχνη) described craft, but the term carried a broader meaning than its literal translation of “craft,” “art,” or “technique.” In the concept of téchnē we have a conjunction and integration of concepts traditionally widely separated: technology, art, and philosophy.
Metaphorically, some philosophers have extended the concept of téchnē to describe the crafting of one’s own character and the development of the four traditional virtues — courage, justice, wisdom, and self-control.
In this sense, téchnē is the art or skill of living virtuously and in harmony with the natural order of the universe. Téchnē encompasses the knowledge and practical wisdom required to lead an examined and meaningful life.
An examined and meaningful life is quite literally crafted.
Crafted how? In the philosophical tradition of Stoicism, téchnē involves the cultivation of aretē, moral excellence. Moral excellence is available to us through the téchnē of engagement with the world as we closely study its intricacies and through striving for aretē in all aspects of our existence.
The Stoics believed that through téchnē and the pursuit of aretē, individuals can attain eudaimonia, a state of flourishing or living in accordance with one’s deep nature and potential.
Old concepts. Wise ways of thinking still.
