A Core Value by Which to Live
Greece is known by a cultural characteristic that makes that country stand out. It’s called Filotimo.
“Filotimo encompasses dignity, pride, and honor, as well as the ideal actions and behaviors of hospitality, trust, and bonds between each other.” from the website www.globalvolunteers.org
Wow. Wouldn’t it be grand if every country stood out as one that practices this characteristic? Don’t get me wrong, I am 100% certain that many countries can boast of such a practice, so I guess what I’m really saying is:
Wouldn’t it be extraordinary if every person on this earth lived the Filotimo lifestyle?
Filotimo can’t be legislated but if we self-legislate our own behavior, just think of how compassionate our world would be. The above website also stated, “When children display unconditional love and respect towards others, they are said to be displaying Filotimo.” Start them young, and such characteristics will quite readily become the standard by which all adults will live.
You don’t have to live in Greece to practice these humane qualities. I live in a northwest area of the United States. I’ll do my part where I live, won’t you do yours?
Be well. Stay well, y’all.
“Filotimo encompasses dignity, pride, and honor, as well as the ideal actions and behaviors of hospitality, trust, and bonds between each other.” from the website www.globalvolunteers.org
Wow. Wouldn’t it be grand if every country stood out as one that practices this characteristic? Don’t get me wrong, I am 100% certain that many countries can boast of such a practice, so I guess what I’m really saying is:
Wouldn’t it be extraordinary if every person on this earth lived the Filotimo lifestyle?
Filotimo can’t be legislated but if we self-legislate our own behavior, just think of how compassionate our world would be. The above website also stated, “When children display unconditional love and respect towards others, they are said to be displaying Filotimo.” Start them young, and such characteristics will quite readily become the standard by which all adults will live.
- Respecting and honoring our differences.
- Treating others in the way we too want to be treated.
- Fighting for equality.
- Examining our conscience to direct our thoughts and actions to line up with a communal brotherhood and sisterhood.
You don’t have to live in Greece to practice these humane qualities. I live in a northwest area of the United States. I’ll do my part where I live, won’t you do yours?
Be well. Stay well, y’all.
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Irene Frances Olson
Author of Requiem for the status quo, a novel that celebrates and encourages family caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s or other dementia. You can find that book HERE. In her second novel, A Jagged Journey, Ms. Olson encourages all who have ever hit speedhumps and roadblocks in their personal life, whose opinions and judgments about others may have taken abrupt and unexpected turns, to evolve and arrive at a place where hurt begets joy, where smarts don’t necessarily equate to intelligence, and vulnerability guarantees increased strength. Seems impossible, doesn’t it? Her new novel will make a believer out of you. Ms. Olson authors a blog, www.babyboomersandmore.com, a multi-aged community of diverse interests that is also known as Living: the ultimate team sport. Her weekly contributions have been enjoyed by readers for more than ten years. |
