ing on juries and also to help make the laws that governed the polis. The virtuous man was also very religious and in charge of his familys worshiping of the polis Gods and also the worshiping of the familys ancestors. Noble men were very athletic and participated in games to help honor the Gods and prepare themselves for war. These athletic competitions were held in gymnasiums; which was the central feature of the polis. The gymnasiums gave the successful athlete the opportunity to honor his family and polis, and also brought the athlete closer to the Gods after winning. The picture of a virtuous man in Greek society was one that was able to obtain many victories, serve his polis politically, worship the Gods, and run a household. The man all men tried to become is perfect in every way in personal and public life. He was powerful, intelligent, resourceful, cunning, and skillful. This man would take care of his family and make the decisions of the house, serve in the army, serve his polis on juries, and also worship his Gods. It is hard to believe one man would be able to accomplish so much and if he would be able to he would be considered virtuous by his polis and family. Secondly, a man named Socrates had a different way to think about what characteristics a virtuous man should hold. Socrates had eminently contrary beliefs than the polis of Athens that he lived within. In Platos Apology, Socrates states in his own defense to the jury, that his main interests in life lie in moral conduct and the souls welfare. He did not believe that being a virtuous man pertains to only those who serve in the army or the political realm of the polis, but only those who look within themselves and only do what God would want them to do. This to Socrates was a virtuous man. Socrates believes a virtuous man is one who can understand his own being and worth. During his trial in Apology, an oracle said Socrates is the wisest of men. Socr...
