The Greek Concept of "Philitimo:" A Complex Constellation of Values that is Felt but Difficult to Define

2017 SLI Workshop

1. Philotimo  = "love of honor".
Philotimo is the feeling of not being able to do
enough for your family, society and your
community; it is expressed through acts of
generosity and sacrifice without expecting
anything in return.
Philotimo is to put the needs and well being of
others before one's own, even before one's
need to live or exist.



11. “I've been getting a lot of attention over this, but
it isn't about me, I don't want the focus on me,”
Mr Koufos said.


“All of us are human beings and sometimes hits
us in the sweet spot and we react without
thinking - that's what happened to me when I
saw this. I knew I had to try and do something.”


26. The 7th-century BC pre-Socratic Greek philosopher
Thales said that:
“Philotimo is part of the essence of being Greek.”
“Philotimo to the Greek is like breathing. A Greek is
not a Greek without it. He might as well not be alive.”

27. Were Mr. and Mrs. Bonner Greek ?

28. College Year in Athens
Nicholas T. Kondoprias
Director of Development

DIKEMES (International Center for Hellenic and Mediterranean Studies)

5, Plateia Stadiou / 116 35 Athens-Greece

web: www.cyathens.org
e-mail: [email protected]