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Was Socrates the First Coach?

In: Business and Management

Submitted By kyri
Words 1097
Pages 5
Was Socrates the first coach?
The ancient Greek philosophers and coaching Flourishing life (eudaimonia)
Excellence (aristia) –Prudence (phronesis) – Morals (ethos)
This original article (a shorter one) written by Barbara Asimakopoulou was first published in International Coaching Federation’s blog The ancient Greek philosophers, motivated by their love of knowledge (the actual word “philosopher” derives from the Greek words “filos” and “Sophia” which mean “friend” and “wisdom” respectively) have been preoccupied with the investigation of the reasons for human existence and the way men should live, so as to be consistent with their reason for being.
Their views widely appealed to the western world and formed the foundation for western philosophy and psychology, influencing the philosophers who followed, from the oldest to the most contemporary ones and inspiring passionate support but not without also being questioned.
Today, most of their views seem to have lost nothing of their lustre and stand out like shining beacons, especially now that the western world is desperately seeking answers in order to relight its fires!!!
In the text below, I refer to Aristotle and Socrates, the principles and practices they bequeathed us, so as to prove that these have a lot in common with the principles and practices of coaching. In addition, I will attempt to prove that Socrates is the first ever coach!!!
Aristotle, a student of Socrates and Plato, the most important philosopher according to some and teacher of Great Alexander, clearly stated why and how men should live.
According to Aristotle we should pursue happiness, well-being or in other words eudaimonia. And a happy life is a life full of virtue!
• A coach urges us to lead a happy life.
According to Aristotle, true happiness is permanent and timeless; it is achieved when people develop and leverage

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