Idiot is a word derived from the Greek ἰδιώτης, or idiōtēs, which means “a private citizen”, or “individual”, and was used to refer to those who do not care about politics, public affairs or matters which touch the community.
The term ‘idiot’ latter became associated with people who were lacking intelligence, reason or sense, and it was believed that only someone lacking intelligence would leave public matters completely in the hands of other people, who may not have the same values or interests or morality as him – yet could affect the condition of his life, family and friends.
Thus according to the Greeks, everyone who doesn’t care about politics, whether global or public affairs, is literally an ‘idiot’.
Food for thought.
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Categories: Reflections, Revival Thought (Al Nahda), WRITINGS
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