The Journey to Arete: Finding the Good in Teaching

In the philosophical musings of Aristotle, "arete" signifies excellence or virtue, embodying the highest form of good a person can achieve. It stands in stark contrast to "kakia," or badness, that permeates various aspects of life—be it disease in biology, corruption in society, or general moral decay. The pursuit of "arete" is not an easy journey; it demands a relentless quest for the good amidst the omnipresent bad. My own path to discovering "arete" in teaching mirrors the spiritual and intellectual journey of St. Augustine in his "Confessions," where he traversed through various careers and ideologies before finding his true calling. This is my journey to finding the good in being an educator.

Aristotle's Arete and the Pursuit of Happiness:

Aristotle's concept of "arete" is deeply intertwined with his understanding of happiness, or "eudaimonia." For Aristotle, true happiness is achieved through the cultivation of virtue and the fulfillment of one's potential. It is not merely a fleeting emotion but a state of being that arises from living a life of purpose and excellence. In his "Nicomachean Ethics," Aristotle argues that "arete" is essential for achieving eudaimonia, as it aligns one's actions with their highest nature and the ultimate good.

The Personal Guru and the Path to Wisdom

St. Augustine’s journey to faith was marked by his encounter with his guru in Manichaeism, which significantly influenced his spiritual development. This mentor guided him through a period of intellectual and moral turmoil, eventually leading him to embrace Christianity. Similarly, my transformative experience occurred during a serendipitous journey to Egypt, where I experienced a revelation akin to Augustine's.

The Search for Purpose

Like Augustine, who wandered through the realms of hedonism and solipsism before finding his spiritual anchor, I too explored different careers, seeking purpose and fulfillment. My initial foray into archaeology, a field brimming with the allure of ancient mysteries, soon revealed itself to be a domain of self-indulgence and isolation. The excitement of unearthing artifacts quickly gave way to a hollow pursuit of personal glory, devoid of deeper meaning.

Disillusioned with archaeology, I turned to medicine, hoping to find a noble path in healing others. However, the medical field presented its own set of challenges. I encountered vanity among peers, aggression in the competitive environment, and a pervasive sense of hopelessness as we fought against the relentless tide of disease. Despite the critical importance of the work, the daily grind left me questioning whether this was the right path to achieving "arete."

The Egyptian Epiphany

It was during a serendipitous journey to Egypt that I experienced a transformative revelation, akin to Augustine’s encounter with his spiritual mentor. Standing before the timeless pyramids, I was awed by their grandeur but even more profoundly moved by the knowledge and wisdom they symbolized. It was on a train ride from Luxor to Cairo, however, where my epiphany truly began to take shape.

In the confined space of a train car, I found myself seated next to a man who would unknowingly become a catalyst for my transformation. He was at least a decade older than me, embarking on a global biking journey, seemingly running from something. Our conversation spanned hours, delving into philosophical discussions about life, purpose, and the pursuit of the good. Despite our different backgrounds, we shared a common sense of escape—from the past, from unfulfilled aspirations, from our own potential.

This man’s journey was a mirror to my own. His words struck a chord deep within me, echoing a sentiment I had long suppressed: the calling to educate. He spoke of the power of storytelling, the joy of engaging others, and the impact one could have through teaching. He told me that I had a gift for making the dullest topics come alive, that I could captivate an audience and inspire minds. Until that moment, I had never considered myself a "talker," but his words ignited a spark that would change the course of my life.

Embracing the Path of Education

Returning to America, I embraced this newfound calling. I enrolled in a teacher preparation program, determined to channel my passion for knowledge and communication into educating the next generation. The classroom became my arena for pursuing "arete," where I could strive for excellence not just for myself, but for my students.

Much like St. Augustine’s conversion on the road to his spiritual awakening, my journey through Egypt led me to a profound understanding of my true purpose. The man on the bike, in his quest for meaning, reminded me too much of myself. It was Egypt, with its ancient wisdom and the chance encounter on that train, that became my guru. The knowledge left behind by past civilizations inspired me to pursue a career that would allow me to impart wisdom, foster curiosity, and cultivate virtue in others.

The Challenges of Teaching

Teaching, I discovered, is its own reward. The joy of seeing students engage with the material, the satisfaction of inspiring curiosity, and the fulfillment of shaping young minds are incomparable. The only significant challenges in my teaching career stem from those who believe their teaching theories are superior to mine. However, these challenges only strengthen my resolve to create a clear, evidence-based approach to education.

In shaping my educational philosophy, I draw inspiration from great educators such as Maria Montessori, John Dewey, and John Holt. Their innovative approaches to learning and their dedication to student-centered education serve as guiding lights. Additionally, I find parallels in the teachings of church fathers and prophets like Moses, who led the Hebrews with wisdom and moral clarity. While I strive to mirror their dedication and insight, I remain acutely aware of my own humanity and limitations.

The Continuous Pursuit of Arete

In teaching, I found the good—an "arete" that transcends personal achievement and seeks to uplift others. It is a path fraught with challenges, but it is also one of immense reward. The journey to "arete" is continuous, requiring dedication, empathy, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. But it is a journey worth taking, for in striving to find the good in ourselves, we illuminate the path for others to do the same.

Much like St. Augustine’s "Confessions," my journey has been one of introspection, discovery, and transformation. I have learned that the pursuit of "arete" in teaching is not about personal glory but about contributing to the greater good. It is about fostering a love for learning, nurturing curiosity, and guiding students toward their own paths of excellence. This is my calling, my purpose, and my fulfillment—the embodiment of "arete" in the noble profession of education.

Facing Adversity with Arete

There will be times when educators face opposition for teaching the truth, for instilling moral virtues, or for challenging established norms—be it the teaching of evolution, ethical principles, or historical realities. Schools and society may attack those who dare to enlighten minds and hearts. However, the person who is after "arete" will ultimately prevail, for they have already won in their pursuit of the highest good.

The journey to "arete" is not without its trials, but it is a path paved with purpose and fulfillment. In the face of adversity, the true educator stands firm, guided by a commitment to virtue and excellence. This unwavering dedication ensures that the light of knowledge and goodness will continue to shine, overcoming the darkness of ignorance and malice. For those who seek "arete," victory is inherent in the pursuit itself, as they strive to create a better, more enlightened world for future generations.