The Ecstasy of Aretē: Flow as Self-Transcendence in Ancient Athletics
Journal Title: Studies in Sport Humanities - Year 2014, Vol 15, Issue 15
Abstract
Flow, or what modern athletes call “the zone” is not a recent phenomenon. In fact, it may be the reason that ancient Greek games honoring gods and heroes included contests in music, drama, poetry and athletics. It is through the skilled performance of these arts – and the synergy between them – gods and heroes were invoked and evoked, in part through athletes’ experience of Flow. The catalyst was aretē (virtue); by re-enacting the feats and celebrating the virtues of gods and heroes, athletes and artists renewed and reaffirmed aretē’s cultural im- portance. Such moments of aretic ecstasy inspired, enlightened, and united entire communities – and they may still do so in sports today.
Authors and Affiliations
Heather L. Reid
Keywords
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