The History Behind Sound Mind Sound Body
The ancient Greek principle “mens sana in corpore sano”- “ a sound mind in a sound body” corresponded to their prime philosophy that people should not only be mentally "fit" or "strong," but physically healthy as well. At the same time. many works of art from this era set a standard of idealism (perfection), which the Greeks aspired to.
Both the Greek philosopher Thales and the Roman poet Juvenal both wrote about the way in the close links between physical exercise, mental equilibrium and the ability to enjoy full balanced life.
Thales of Miletus (626-545 BC) was an Ancient Greek pre-Socratic philosopher from Miletus in Ionia, Asia Minor. Thales was one of the Seven Sages, founding figures of Ancient Greece.
Many regard him as the first philosopher in the Greek tradition, breaking from the prior use of mythology to explain the world and instead using natural philosophy. He is thus otherwise referred to as the first to have engaged in mathematics, science, and deductive reasoning.[1]
Notable Quotes:
1.“What is it that is most beautiful? - The Universe; for it is the work of God.
2. What is most powerful? - Necessity, because it triumphs over all things.
3. What is most difficult? - To know oneself.
4. What is most easy? - To give advice.
5. What method must we take to lead a good life? - To do nothing we would condemn in others.
6. What is necessary to happiness? - A sound body and a sound mind.”
Juvenal, Decimus Junius Juvenalis was a Roman satirist who denounced the vice and folly of Roman society during the reign of the emperor Domitian (60-140AD). His 16 satires, 16 in number, are written in indignant scorn of the vices of the Romans under the Empire, and in the descriptions of which the historian finds a portrait of the manners and morals of the time
The phrase comes from Satire X of the Roman poet Juvenal (second century AD). It is the first in a list of what is desirable in life.
“ It is to be prayed that the mind be sound in a sound body,
Ask for a brave soul that lacks the fear of death,
which places the length of life last among nature’s blessings,
which is able to bear whatever kind of sufferings,
does not know anger, lusts for nothing and believes
the hardships and savage labors of Hercules better than
the satisfactions, feasts, and feather bed of an Eastern king.
I will reveal what you are able to give yourself.
For certain, the one footpath of a tranquil life lies through virtue.”