The spirit of '40 and Greek philosophy
Abstract
This article, originally delivered as a commemorative speech, explores the ideological and philosophical underpinnings of the Greek stance during World War II (the "Spirit of '40") by connecting it to classical Greek thought. The author draws parallels between the bravery of 1940 and the heroic ethics found in Plato’s Menexenus and the works of Homer, emphasizing the preference for a "noble death" over a life of dishonor. The text analyzes how ancient values—such as arete (virtue), eleftheria (freedom), and dikaiosyne (justice)—formed a collective consciousness that empowered the Greek people to resist superior material forces. By citing Heraclitus and Thucydides, Kalogerakos argues that the "Oxi" (No) of 1940 was not merely a political act but a profound manifestation of the timeless Greek soul’s commitment to moral integrity and national dignity.
Article Details
- How to Cite
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Kalogerakos, I. G. (2024). The spirit of ’40 and Greek philosophy . Ηθική. Περιοδικό φιλοσοφίας, (19), 28–33. https://doi.org/10.12681/ethiki.39656
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- No. 19 (2024)
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- Articles
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