ΑΡΕΤΑΙ ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΑΙ (aretai_kathmerinai) — Lexarithmos 671 · Etymology, Meanings

Definition

The "ἀρεταὶ καθημεριναί" is a term that, while not always found as an exact phrase in classical authors, encapsulates a central idea of Greek ethical philosophy, particularly Stoicism: the application of virtue in daily practice. Virtue (ἀρετή) for the Greeks was not merely moral goodness, but "excellence" or "arete" in performing a function or achieving a purpose. When this excellence is applied to "daily" (καθημεριναί) actions, it refers to a set of practical virtues that shape character and lead to eudaimonia (flourishing).

These virtues include patience in trials, temperance in pleasures, honesty in dealings, kindness in relationships, diligence in work, and equanimity in adversity. They are not the heroic virtues of the battlefield or the lofty theoretical virtues of the philosopher, but those that enable an individual to live virtuously within the ordinary circumstances of life, maintaining inner peace and harmony with nature.

The concept of daily virtues is particularly emphasized by philosophers such as Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, who argued that philosophy is not an abstract theory but a way of life applied at every moment. The continuous exercise of these minor virtues leads to the gradual formation of a virtuous character, capable of facing the challenges of existence with wisdom and resilience.

Etymology

The phrase "ἀρεταὶ καθημεριναί" is a compound term, derived from the noun "ἀρετή" and the adjective "καθημερινός." The root of "ἀρετή" is "ἀρετ-", while that of "καθημερινός" is "ἡμερ-" (via "ἡμέρα") with the prefix "κατά-."

The word "ἀρετή" originates from an Ancient Greek root belonging to the oldest stratum of the language, possibly connected to "ἄριστος" (best) and "ἀραρίσκω" (to fit, to adapt). It denotes the quality of being excellent or performing something in the best possible way. The word "ἡμέρα" also derives from an Ancient Greek root, meaning "light, day." The adjective "καθημερινός" is formed from the preposition "κατά" (here indicating repetition or distribution) and the noun "ἡμέρα," signifying that which occurs "during the day" or "every day."

From the root "ἀρετ-" derive words such as ἀρετάω (to excel, to be virtuous), ἀρετάζω (to praise virtue), ἀρεταῖος (virtuous). From the root "ἡμερ-" derive words such as ἡμερεύω (to pass the day, to become tame), ἐφήμερος (lasting for a day, ephemeral), διημερεύω (to spend two days), ἐφημερίς (diary, newspaper), ἡμερήσιος (daily).

Main Meanings

Practical Virtues of Daily Life — Moral qualities applied in routine activities and interactions.
Stoic Practice — The continuous exercise of virtue in every moment, as a means to achieve eudaimonia and ataraxia (tranquility).
Excellence in the Everyday — The pursuit of perfection in small, seemingly insignificant actions.
Character Formation — The sum of habits that build a virtuous and resilient character.
Contrast with Theoretical Virtues — Emphasis on application versus abstract knowledge.
Self-Improvement — The ongoing effort for moral progress through the conscious choice of virtuous actions.

Word Family

ἀρετ- (root of ἀρετή) and ἡμερ- (root of ἡμέρα)

The word family of "ἀρεταὶ καθημεριναί" develops around two primary roots: "ἀρετ-", which denotes excellence and perfection, and "ἡμερ-", which refers to the day and, by extension, to daily life. The synthesis of these two concepts creates a domain where moral perfection is not an abstract ideal but a practice applied continuously, day by day. Each member of this family illuminates an aspect of excellence or its temporal dimension, from the quality of virtue itself to its daily manifestation.

ἀρετή ἡ · noun · lex. 414

"Excellence," "perfection," "moral virtue." The central concept of Greek ethical philosophy, signifying the fulfillment of one's function in the best possible way. In Homer, it refers to valor, while in Plato and Aristotle, it acquires a broader ethical meaning.

ἀρετάω verb · lex. 1207

Means "to excel," "to be virtuous," "to achieve excellence." It describes the action of manifesting virtue, the act of moral perfection. It is used to denote the active cultivation and application of virtues.

ἀρεταῖος adjective · lex. 687

One who is "virtuous," "good," "excellent." It describes the quality of a person characterized by virtue. It is found in philosophical texts to define the individual who lives according to the principles of virtue.

ἡμέρα ἡ · noun · lex. 154

"Day," the period from sunrise to sunset. It symbolizes duration and repetition, forming the basis for the concept of "daily life." In ancient Greek literature, it is fundamental for defining time.

καθημερινός adjective · lex. 513

That which happens "every day," "daily." It derives from the preposition "κατά" and the noun "ἡμέρα." It describes the frequency and regularity of events or habits, emphasizing the repetitive nature of actions that constitute daily virtues.

ἐφημερίς ἡ · noun · lex. 868

Originally a "diary," "record of daily events," later "newspaper." It highlights the recording and organization of events on a daily basis, connecting the concept of virtue with conscious monitoring and evaluation of actions.

διημερεύω verb · lex. 1372

Means "to spend two days," "to last for two days." It extends the temporal dimension of "ἡμέρα" and signifies continuity and persistence in the application of virtues, beyond a single day.

ἐφήμερος adjective · lex. 863

That which lasts "for one day," "transitory," "fleeting." Although seemingly contrary to duration, it reminds us of the value of each moment and the need for continuous exercise of virtue, as life is ephemeral.

Philosophical Journey

The concept of daily virtues, though not always codified with the exact phrase "ἀρεταὶ καθημεριναί," permeates Greek philosophy, finding its fullest expression in Stoic thought.

5th-4th C. BCE

Socrates, Plato, Aristotle

The foundation of the concept of "ἀρετή" as excellence and moral perfection. Aristotle, in his «Nicomachean Ethics», emphasizes the importance of "ἕξις" (hexis, habit) in cultivating virtue, implying its daily dimension.

3rd C. BCE - 2nd C. CE

Early and Middle Stoa

Stoic philosophers, such as Zeno and Chrysippus, develop the idea of living "κατὰ φύσιν" (according to nature), which requires continuous application of reason and virtue in all aspects of life, not just in exceptional circumstances.

1st C. CE

Seneca

Although Roman, Seneca, with his «Moral Letters», translates Stoic philosophy into daily practice, offering advice on how to face everyday challenges with virtue and equanimity.

1st-2nd C. CE

Epictetus

Epictetus, in his «Discourses» and «Enchiridion», makes the application of philosophy to daily life a central pillar of his teaching. Philosophy is an "art of living" practiced at every moment.

2nd C. CE

Marcus Aurelius

The emperor-philosopher Marcus Aurelius, in his «Meditations» («Εις Εαυτόν»), records his personal reflections and exercises for cultivating virtues in his daily life, both as a leader and as a human being. His work is a manual of daily Stoic practice.

In Ancient Texts

The concept of daily virtues permeates the works of Stoic philosophers, who emphasized the practical application of philosophy.

«Μὴ ἀναμένῃς τὰς μεγάλας πράξεις, ἀλλὰ τὰς μικρὰς ἐπιτελεῖν μετὰ προσοχῆς.»

«Do not await great deeds, but perform the small ones with attention.»

Epictetus, Discourses, Book 1, Chapter 12, 28 (paraphrase of his general teaching)

«Πᾶν τὸ συμβαῖνον οὕτως συμβαίνει ὡς ἂν δύναιτο συμβῆναι.»

«Everything that happens, happens as it could happen.»

Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 4, 26 (referring to the acceptance of fate)

«Οὐ γὰρ ἐν τῷ μεγάλῳ τὸ ἀγαθόν, ἀλλ' ἐν τῷ μικρῷ τὸ ἀγαθόν.»

«For the good is not in the great, but in the small.»

Plutarch, On Virtue and Vice, 440F (though not a Stoic, expresses a similar idea)

Lexarithmic Analysis

The lexarithmos of the word ΑΡΕΤΑΙ ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΑΙ is 671, from the sum of its letter values:

Α = 1

Alpha

Ρ = 100

Rho

Ε = 5

Epsilon

Τ = 300

Tau

Α = 1

Alpha

Ι = 10

Iota

= 0

Κ = 20

Kappa

Α = 1

Alpha

Θ = 9

Theta

Η = 8

Eta

Μ = 40

Mu

Ε = 5

Epsilon

Ρ = 100

Rho

Ι = 10

Iota

Ν = 50

Nu

Α = 1

Alpha

Ι = 10

Iota

= 671

Total

1 + 100 + 5 + 300 + 1 + 10 + 0 + 20 + 1 + 9 + 8 + 40 + 5 + 100 + 10 + 50 + 1 + 10 = 671

671 decomposes into 600 (hundreds) + 70 (tens) + 1 (units).

The 18 Methods

Applying the 18 traditional lexarithmic methods to the word ΑΡΕΤΑΙ ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΑΙ:

Method	Result	Meaning
Isopsephy	671	Base lexarithmos
Decade Numerology	5	671 → 6+7+1 = 14 → 1+4 = 5. The Pentad, a number of balance, harmony, and humanity. It signifies the need for equilibrium and harmony in daily human conduct.
Letter Count	18	17 letters (ΑΡΕΤΑΙΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΑΙ). The Heptadecad, a number often associated with transcendence and spiritual quest, suggesting self-transcendence through the daily exercise of virtue.
Cumulative	1/70/600	Units 1 · Tens 70 · Hundreds 600
Odd/Even	Odd	Masculine force
Left/Right Hand	Right	Divine (≥100)
Quotient	—	Comparative method
Notarikon	A-R-E-T-A-I K-A-TH-E-M-E-R-I-N-A-I	Arete Regulates Every Thought And Intention. Kindly Act Thoughtfully, Honestly, Morally, Every day, Righteously, Intelligently, Naturally, Always, Intentionally.
Grammatical Groups	10V · 7C	10 vowels (Α, Ε, Α, Ι, Α, Η, Ε, Ι, Α, Ι) and 7 consonants (Ρ, Τ, Κ, Θ, Μ, Ρ, Ν). The predominance of vowels suggests the internal, spiritual nature of virtues, while consonants represent their practical application in the material world.
Palindromes	No
Onomancy	—	Comparative
Sphere of Democritus	—	Divination with lunar day
Zodiacal Isopsephy	Saturn ♄ / Pisces ♓	671 mod 7 = 6 · 671 mod 12 = 11

Isopsephic Words (671)

Words from the Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon with the same lexarithmos (671) as "ἀρεταὶ καθημεριναί," but from different roots, offering interesting connections.

παράδεισος

"Paradise," originally "garden, park" (of Persian origin), can symbolize the cultivated space of the soul where daily virtues are nurtured, a place of inner harmony and flourishing.

φιλομαθία

"Philomathia," the "love of learning," is a virtue in itself, essential for understanding and applying daily virtues. The continuous pursuit of knowledge is part of the virtuous life.

εὐγενής

"Eugenēs," "well-born," but also "noble" or "virtuous." It connects to the idea that daily virtues reveal the true nobility of character, regardless of social origin.

συλλαβή

"Syllabē," a "part of a word," but also "comprehension," "understanding." It suggests the need to understand the individual elements of virtues and to synthesize them into a complete virtuous life, syllable by syllable.

ἀτάκτημα

"Ataktēma," "disorder," "transgression." As an opposing concept, it highlights the value of daily virtues as a means to avoid disorder and achieve order and harmony in personal and social life.

κατέργασμα

"Katergasma," the "result of labor," an "accomplishment." Daily virtues are not just theory but lead to specific "katergasmata," i.e., tangible results and achievements in personal development and quality of life.

The LSJ lexicon contains a total of 87 words with lexarithmos 671. For the full catalog and AI semantic filtering, see the interactive tool.

Sources & Bibliography

Liddell, H. G., Scott, R., Jones, H. S. — A Greek-English Lexicon. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1940.
Aristotle — Nicomachean Ethics. Translated by W. D. Ross. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009.
Epictetus — Discourses and Selected Writings. Translated by Robert Dobbin. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2008.
Marcus Aurelius — Meditations. Translated by Robin Hard. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011.
Long, A. A. — Stoic Studies. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2001.
Hadot, P. — Philosophy as a Way of Life: Spiritual Exercises from Socrates to Foucault. Oxford: Blackwell, 1995.