Art was something I paid little attention to. But it’s impossible to ignore when you travel through most of the old cities. And once you start paying attention, it pulls you in, almost unintentionally. European ancient art sparks many questions. While I had seen some historic churches in England as a student, my mind was elsewhere then. However, during a trip to Prague, Czech Republic, at the beginning of the 21st century, the structures seemed to whisper tales of devotion, history, and artistry. Since then, I’ve visited many churches across different European countries. The intricacies of these ancient buildings, especially in Brussels, leave you in awe.
The towering spires, delicate carvings, and stained-glass windows that bathe the interior in vibrant hues all speak of a time when craftsmanship was both an act of faith and a testament to human ingenuity. It’s not just the scale that impresses but the meticulous attention to detail that resonates with a deep reverence and wonder. Once you fall in love with art, you can’t help but examine everything closely. The representation of the human body in art is especially intriguing. The perfect bodies of Ancient Greek philosophers—did they exaggerate these features? And if so, why?
Virtually all the men depicted in ancient art have six-pack abs, chiselled muscles, and an idealized form rarely seen. These representations were not mere portrayals of everyday people but rather embodiments of an ideal—a manifestation of the Greek admiration for balance, proportion, and the divine nature of the human form. This raises questions about societal values, aspirations, and perhaps even the myths these cultures revered and perpetuated through their art. Yet, we know there were no gyms or bodybuilding culture then. These idealized forms were more indicative of what society valued than reflective of the average individual’s physique. They were aspirations meant to inspire and elevate the human spirit toward more extraordinary endeavor’s.
A 2015 article in the New York Times by Alastair Macaulay, commenting on the exhibition “Defining Beauty: The Body in Ancient Greek Art” at the British Museum, noted that the body in movement—both realistic and transcendent—was central to Greek art and thought. The exhibition highlighted that the classically ideal body, established in Greek sculpture in the 5th century B.C., has been the most copied style in all the arts. Multiple facets of that complex perfection are present, and all ballet followers who continually draw from this ideal may feel they are drinking from the source. Many works are replicas; the Greek originals were lost long ago.
A bit of literature review reveals that the pursuit of Greek perfection was deeply rooted in their philosophy and cultural values. The Greeks believed in “kalokagathia,” a term that amalgamated physical beauty and moral virtue. To them, a well-formed body was not just an aesthetic ideal but a reflection of one’s inner excellence and moral superiority. This idea was heavily propagated through their mythology, literature, and, most prominently, their art. One pivotal influence was Socrates, who emphasized the importance of physical training and well-being as part of a balanced life. His student, Plato, expounded on this thought, regarding the human form as an essential aspect of his theory of forms—where the physical body was a mere shadow of an ideal, immutable essence.
Artists like Polykleitos, with his treatise “Kanon,” sought to capture this perfection by establishing mathematical proportions to achieve harmony and balance. These sculptors were not merely creating art but defining and codifying an ideal that would resonate through centuries. Thus, the Greek concept of physical perfection was not just an artistic endeavour but a multidimensional expression of their philosophical and cultural ideals. This pursuit of an idealized form has left an indelible mark on Western art, constantly challenging and inspiring new generations to explore the boundaries of human possibility.
As we stand on the precipice of technological advancements, the ancient Greek pursuit of physical and moral excellence, as expounded by Socrates and Plato, finds new avenues in Artificial Intelligence and gene editing. These modern tools offer unprecedented possibilities to sculpt the human form and enhance its capabilities, potentially bringing us closer to the ideal of kalokagathia.
Artificial Intelligence can analyse vast data to create personalized fitness and wellness programs, optimizing physical training to achieve the best possible results. It can also simulate and predict the outcomes of various physical practices, helping individuals tailor their routines to align with the Greek ideals of a well-formed body. Furthermore, AI-driven advancements in medical science can assist in the early detection and prevention of diseases, ensuring that physical well-being remains an essential component of a balanced life.
Gene editing, on the other hand, opens the door to more profound transformations. Techniques such as CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) allow for precise modifications at the genetic level, potentially enhancing physical attributes and correcting genetic disorders that impede physical excellence. This could lead to a new era where the human form is a reflection of inner virtue and a testament to the harmonious integration of technology and biology.
However, these technologies must be approached with caution and ethical consideration. The Greek ideal of physical perfection was deeply intertwined with moral virtue; thus, any pursuit of enhancement should also prioritize character development and ethical integrity. Only then can we truly honor the legacy of Socratic thought and the timeless quest for holistic human excellence. In this light, the fusion of ancient philosophy and cutting-edge technology offers a promising path forward. As we continue to explore the boundaries of human possibility, we must ensure that our advancements serve not just to perfect the physical form but also to elevate the human spirit, embodying the enduring principles that have inspired generations.
