Why Mythology Shouldn't Stay in the Past | Sarah Bacha | TEDxHighTechHighSchool

Summary

In this thought-provoking speech, Sarah Basha, a freshman at Hightech High School, explores the timeless relevance of Greek mythology. She delves into how chaos and order, often seen as opposites, are deeply intertwined in mythological stories. Using examples like Ares, Athena, and the Golden Apple, Sarah illustrates how these forces shape the world and human experience. Through Greek mythology, she encourages us to embrace uncertainty and stop fearing the future, stressing that, while we can't control life's chaos, we can shape the future by living for it, not in fear of it.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sarah shares her love for books, especially the *Percy Jackson and the Olympian* series, which sparked her interest in Greek mythology.
• 😀 Greek mythology portrays chaos and order as interconnected forces, rather than opposites, which is a central theme in the script.
• 😀 In Greek mythology, chaos is seen as nothingness, while order arises from it, challenging the common belief that chaos and order are separate.
• 😀 The gods in Greek mythology, like Ares and Athena, embody both chaos and order, using them to resolve conflicts and solve problems.
• 😀 The story of Ares and Cadmus shows how Ares combines chaos (war) and order (civil law) to settle disputes, demonstrating their interrelationship.
• 😀 Athena's story with Arachne illustrates how wisdom (order) and conflict (chaos) work together to maintain balance and justice in Greek myths.
• 😀 The myth of the Golden Apple demonstrates how chaos can lead to order and vice versa, with the resulting consequences of the Trojan War.
• 😀 Sarah reflects on how order and chaos are present in everyday life and that uncertainty should be embraced rather than feared.
• 😀 The speech encourages not worrying about the future, but rather making decisions for the future, like heroes who act boldly despite uncertainty.
• 😀 Greek mythology teaches valuable lessons about living life by understanding the balance between order and chaos, and how unpredictability offers possibilities.
• 😀 The message of the speech is to stop fearing the future, as its unpredictability means that anything is possible, urging people to live for the future rather than worrying about it.

Q & A

What is the significance of Greek mythology in the context of modern literature and art?

Greek mythology continues to influence modern literature, art, and culture. It inspires countless stories, books, movies, and artwork, demonstrating the timeless appeal of these ancient myths and their ability to resonate with contemporary audiences.

What does the speaker compare reading books to in the transcript?

The speaker compares reading books to an 'out-of-body experience,' where the reader lives through someone else’s perspective while still being themselves. The experience is described as magical and transformative, like a time machine or transporter.

Why does the speaker find the Percy Jackson series significant?

The speaker finds the Percy Jackson series significant because it introduced them to both the modern world and the ancient world of Greek mythology. The series blends these elements in a way that makes Greek mythology feel relevant and exciting.

How does the speaker describe the concept of chaos in Greek mythology?

In Greek mythology, chaos is described as a primordial void, symbolizing nothingness rather than disorder or misconduct, as we often understand it today.

What example from Greek mythology shows the blending of order and chaos?

The speaker discusses the story of Ares, the god of war and civil order, to illustrate how order and chaos can work together. Ares used both the chaotic nature of war and the more structured aspect of civil order to resolve disputes and fix problems.

What myth involving Athena demonstrates her duality as a goddess of both order and chaos?

The myth of Athena and Arachne shows Athena’s role as a goddess of both order and chaos. Athena challenges Arachne, a cocky mortal, to a weaving contest. Athena's calm and strategic approach contrasts with Arachne’s chaotic, disrespectful approach, leading to Arachne's punishment.

What is the significance of the Golden Apple myth in demonstrating the shifting nature of order and chaos?

The Golden Apple myth demonstrates how chaos can shift into order and vice versa. Discord (chaos) creates turmoil at a wedding by throwing the apple, and the gods’ fight over it leads to a series of events that ultimately result in the Trojan War, showing how order and chaos can constantly transform into one another.

What lesson does the speaker suggest we can learn from Greek mythology about handling the future?

The speaker suggests that Greek mythology teaches us not to worry about the uncertain future but to make decisions for the future. It encourages us to focus on living for what is to come, despite the unpredictability of life.

Why does the speaker emphasize the unpredictability of life in the context of Greek mythology?

The speaker emphasizes the unpredictability of life to highlight the constant presence of both order and chaos in our lives. They argue that while we cannot control everything, we should embrace the unknown and stop worrying excessively about the future.

How does the speaker relate their personal experience with Greek mythology and the lessons it teaches?

The speaker shares that, like the heroes in Greek mythology, they strive to make decisions for the future rather than be paralyzed by fear of the unknown. This reflects a broader message from the myths: the future is uncertain, but it is filled with possibilities, and we should live with that mindset.