The Greeks of the Classical Era reasoned that humans might reach the pinnacle of perfection in any activity so long as they adhered to the rules of proportion. Art, architecture, literature, philosophy, and astrology all provide evidence for this view. Oedipus Rex by Sophocles is a masterpiece that shows how human reason and proportion can be used to reach perfection. The dramatic masterpieces and philosophical achievements of the time show how much the Greeks valued symmetry, balance, and harmony.
Greeks’ faith in human reason and love for proportion laid the groundwork for the Classical Period architecture that served as the foundation of Greek culture. “The golden mean was a Greek principle of proportion and balance that was applied in the building of temples, statues, and other constructions” (Cunningham et al., pg. 80). The concept that mathematical calculations can determine precise dimensions served as the inspiration for this layout. The Parthenon, which was built utilizing the Golden Mean, has a length-to-width ratio of 1:2.5. The Greeks erected this edifice; it is theorized to demonstrate that it is possible, with the application of reason and knowledge, to achieve a condition of perfect harmony and symmetry (Cunningham et al., pg. 84).
Sophocles’ Oedipus the King is a superb representation of the Greek Ideal that perfection can be attained via rational inquiry and the pursuit of equilibrium. Throughout the play, Oedipus seeks answers about his identity and discovers that he is both his mother’s husband and his father’s murderer. Since no seer disclosed it, “I now know it,” claims Sophocles. “The worst of my curse has arrived” (Oedipus the King, 7). The Greek Ideal of perfection, as depicted by Oedipus’ search for himself, was attainable through the application of reason and an appreciation of proportion. Oedipus uses his understanding of human reason and proportion to uncover the truth. In doing so, he achieves a state of harmony and equilibrium between his past, present, and future.
Not only did literature develop during the Classical Age, but also philosophical beliefs that trusted in human reason and the capacity for proportion. The most significant thinker at this time was Plato, who postulated a dualism between the Ideal and the real in his writings. According to Plato, the Real is any object or thought’s imperfect shape, whereas the Ideal is the perfect form (Cunningham et al., 88). He used it to illustrate how the Greeks believed perfection could be attained through reason and balance.
Greek Art and philosophy reached new heights during the period known as the Classical Era. The ancient Greeks held that a person might get the pinnacle of any pursuit with enough logic and proportional sense. This idea underpinned the aesthetics of the time, the drama of Sophocles’ Oedipus, and the philosophical breakthroughs of the Age. As depicted in these works, Greeks believed that rational thought held the secret to creating perfect harmony in all aspects of life.
Finally, it’s worth noting that the Greeks’ faith in the rationality and proportionality of the human mind was not confined to the Classical Era. This conviction has been handed down from generation to generation, and it holds in the present day. The strength of human reason and proportional knowledge can be observed in contemporary Art, literature, philosophy, and astrology. The idea that perfection can be achieved by the application of human reason and proportion has survived for millennia thanks to the Greeks, and it will likely do so for generations to come.
In conclusion, the Classical Greeks held the view that human perfection was possible via the application of reason and an appreciation of proportion. Art, architecture, books, ideas, philosophy, and astrology all testify to this conviction. The application of human sense and balance in Sophocles’ Oedipus the King is a model of excellence. The drama and the philosophical achievements of the time show how the Greeks valued harmony, symmetry, and equilibrium. The Greeks left us with a heritage of belief in the power of reason and the significance of proportion. For years, folks have been convinced that using logic and balance can lead to a more ideal world.
Works Cited
Cunningham, Lawrence S., John J. Reich, and Fichner-Rathus, Lois. Understanding Art. 10th ed., Cengage Learning, 2012.
Sophocles. Oedipus the King. Translated by F. Storr, 1912. Project Gutenberg, 2011. https://www.gutenberg.org/files/110/110-h/110-h.htm#link2HCH0001.
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