ΜΕΤΡΙΩΣΙΣ
Metriosis, a fundamental concept in ancient Greek ethical philosophy, encapsulates the idea of moderation, balance, and the avoidance of extremes. As a noun derived from the verb «μετριάζω», it signifies the act or state of maintaining due measure, whether in conduct, passions, or quantity. Its lexarithmos (1665) reflects the complexity inherent in the notion of regulation and inner equilibrium.
REPORT ERRORDefinition
According to the Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon, μετρίωσις primarily means “moderation, tempering, mitigation, alleviation.” It is the action of μετριάζειν, that is, to set limits or to maintain the appropriate proportion. This term, though not as frequently encountered as «μέτρον» or «μεσότης», encapsulates the essence of a measured and balanced approach to life, which was central to ancient Greek thought.
At its core, metriosis refers to the ethical virtue of avoiding excesses, both in action and emotion. For ancient Greek philosophers, particularly Aristotle, virtue resided in the “mean” (μεσότης), which was the middle ground between two extreme vices, excess and deficiency. Metriosis, therefore, is not merely a quantitative regulation but a qualitative choice that leads to harmony and eudaimonia.
Beyond its ethical dimension, metriosis can also refer to the act of mitigating or alleviating an unpleasant phenomenon, such as pain, anger, or punishment. In this context, it denotes the reduction of intensity or severity. This concept is flexible and applicable in various contexts, from personal conduct to the management of social or natural situations.
Ultimately, metriosis is a complex concept that embraces the idea of limits, proportion, balance, and prudence. It is the conscious effort to live according to «μέτρον», avoiding both hubris and negligence, and striving for harmonious coexistence with oneself and the world.
Etymology
The root met- is highly productive in the Greek language, giving rise to a plethora of words related to measurement, proportion, order, and moderation. From it stem verbs like μετρέω (“to measure, to calculate”), adjectives like μέτριος (“measured, reasonable”), and nouns like μέτρον (“measure, rule”). The meaning of moderation develops from the original idea of observing a “measure” or “limit.”
Main Meanings
- Ethical Virtue: Moderation, temperance — The quality or state of maintaining due measure in all aspects of life, avoiding excesses and deficiencies. The golden mean.
- Act of Mitigation, alleviation — The action of reducing the intensity, severity, or extent of a phenomenon, such as pain, anger, or punishment. (Plato, Laws 735a)
- State of Balance, proportion — The harmonious arrangement or correct relationship between the parts of a whole, symmetry. The observance of due measure.
- Behavioral Aspect: Modesty, humility — Measured and discreet conduct, the avoidance of arrogance and ostentation. (Plutarch, On Virtue and Vice 441e)
- Quantitative Regulation, limitation — The setting of limits or the maintenance of a quantity within acceptable or reasonable bounds. The avoidance of excessive consumption or use.
- Leniency, relaxation — The act of showing leniency or relaxing strict rules or requirements. (Dionysius of Halicarnassus, Roman Antiquities 2.27)
Word Family
met- (root of the verb μετρέω and the noun μέτρον, meaning 'to measure, to calculate')
The root met- is fundamental in the Greek language, expressing the idea of measuring, comparing, and setting limits. From it arise words pertaining to both quantitative assessment and qualitative regulation, leading to concepts such as proportion, harmony, and, crucially, moderation. This root underscores the Greek emphasis on order and the avoidance of hubris, i.e., the transgression of boundaries.
Philosophical Journey
The concept of moderation and “measure” constitutes one of the cornerstones of Greek thought, evolving from proverbial sayings to systematic philosophical theories.
In Ancient Texts
The value of measure and moderation has been emphasized by many ancient authors:
Lexarithmic Analysis
The lexarithmos of the word ΜΕΤΡΙΩΣΙΣ is 1665, from the sum of its letter values:
1665 decomposes into 1600 (hundreds) + 60 (tens) + 5 (units).
The 18 Methods
Applying the 18 traditional lexarithmic methods to the word ΜΕΤΡΙΩΣΙΣ:
| Method | Result | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Isopsephy | 1665 | Base lexarithmos |
| Decade Numerology | 9 | 1+6+6+5 = 18 → 1+8 = 9 — Ennead: Completion, perfection, divinity, as measure leads to harmony. |
| Letter Count | 9 | 9 letters — Ennead: Completion, perfection, the fullness achieved through balance. |
| Cumulative | 5/60/1600 | Units 5 · Tens 60 · Hundreds 1600 |
| Odd/Even | Odd | Masculine force |
| Left/Right Hand | Right | Divine (≥100) |
| Quotient | — | Comparative method |
| Notarikon | M-E-T-R-I-O-S-I-S | Measure in the Flow of Balance as Wisdom |
| Grammatical Groups | 4V · 1S · 4C | 4 vowels (E, I, O, I), 1 semivowel (R), 4 consonants (M, T, S, S). |
| Palindromes | No | |
| Onomancy | — | Comparative |
| Sphere of Democritus | — | Divination with lunar day |
| Zodiacal Isopsephy | Saturn ♄ / Capricorn ♑ | 1665 mod 7 = 6 · 1665 mod 12 = 9 |
Isopsephic Words (1665)
Words from the Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon with the same lexarithmos (1665) but different roots, offering interesting connections:
The LSJ lexicon contains a total of 40 words with lexarithmos 1665. 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, 9th ed. with revised supplement. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1996.
- Aristotle — Nicomachean Ethics. Translated by W. D. Ross. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1925.
- Plato — Republic. Translated by G. M. A. Grube, revised by C. D. C. Reeve. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Company, 1992.
- Plato — Laws. Translated by Trevor J. Saunders. London: Penguin Books, 1970.
- Xenophon — Cyropaedia. Translated by Walter Miller. Loeb Classical Library. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1914.
- Thucydides — History of the Peloponnesian War. Translated by Rex Warner. London: Penguin Books, 1954.
- Plutarch — Moralia, Vol. VI: On Virtue and Vice. Translated by W. C. Helmbold. Loeb Classical Library. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1939.