Language for humans is both a motherland and a tool.
Motherland, for it is within her borders and landscapes that we first become who we are. Tool, because however much we shaped her through the ages, she has shaped us back, and carries on so, within her intricate mechanisms. Today, in the surreal era of Post-Truth and Xenophobia, words that stood out across international dictionaries this year, we have a duty to resist by raising a word-symbol representing the highest achievements of mankind. A word hitherto unbeknown to the world, that first stood in the tongues of ancient Greeks but also humble citizens to this day.
The word Philotimo: the practice of Wisdom, the fruit of Democracy, the cradle of Humanity at the source of civilization itself. Not a plain word, pliable enough though to contain the toils of ego through to the glories of the Polis. The stubbornness of I, to the wisdom of the We. The integrity of character, the boldness of virtue. The willingness and courage to stand up to things. A certain intellectual and moral honesty. A word that can’t be reproduced by the System. Upon which the System however relies in its darkest hour in order to survive, hoping to be revived, through this word.
This is the word we dedicated ourselves to explore. In the past 3 years we managed, among other things, to take the first steps raising awareness across the international academic community, and populate as much as we could with this word, international figures statements and social networks.
This initiative that started by a small group of friends, who united their ideas, strength and savings, today needs your help to carry on this work. This is the only way it can grow enough to stand strong against the false nationalist realities of Post-Truth and Xenophobia.
You see, the greater the material needs in society, the study of immaterial things contained in Philotimo, such as decency, solidarity, social justice is often demoted. A tragic irony since no one denies their role at the root of the problem, nor as ingredients to any sustainable solution.
By helping us with an amount, as small as $3, or as much as you can afford. And filling in the form across our pages with your definition or story around philotimo, you are joining the movement to spread this word internationally, for it to receive the social and scientific dynamic it deserves.
Our first stop - International Dictionaries. Then the production of an international documentary on Philotimo with the contribution of Indigo View, the highly acclaimed and beloved production team.
The amount requested here, is only a fraction of the total necessary to achieve the goals we have set. However, it will give us the mandate and the courage to persevere, and all of you will know, how we’ve spent this money right to the last penny.
Together we can spread Philotimo as the word of the years to come.
For lack of a better world, there is THIS word: #PHILOTIMO.
See you on the journey!