Yes — that’s right.
In Greek ethics, especially in the philosophy of Aristotle, the ultimate goal wasn’t just following rules or avoiding wrongdoing, but becoming a certain kind of person — someone with character (in Greek: êthos, from which we get the word “ethics”).
- For Plato, the idea of the good life was the harmonious soul governed by reason.
- For Aristotle, it was about achieving eudaimonia (human flourishing, happiness, or well-being), which required cultivating virtues (aretai) like courage, justice, and wisdom.
- These virtues weren’t just habits but part of a person’s character. By practicing them, one became the kind of person who naturally acts well.
So when you say "character is what the Greeks wanted to become in their ethics," you’re capturing the essence:
👉 Ethics was about forming a good character — not just obeying rules, but shaping the self into someone who lives excellently.
Would you like me to explain how the Greeks thought someone actually develops that character (like Aristotle’s “habit through practice” idea)?
By chat gpt
Please note that why you go to the gym, live an ethical life ect for character because in Christian tradition that is what you take to heaven your character.
