User talk:JimKleiner2

Etymology of Greek names: Many classical Greek names (Aristotle, Socrates, Archimedes) are actually descriptions of the accomplishments (or the high regard with which these individuals were held) rather than the individuals' given names at birth. For example, 'Aristotle' (aristo + telios) probably means "highest perfection" and 'Praxiteles' (praxis + telios) probably means "practical/real perfection". These are both names that modest parents (by ancient Greek standards) were not likely to apply to their newly born babies. In many cases these individuals' given (or birth) names have been lost and only their 'famous' names are left. Modern Greeks can decipher these names easily and it has long been known (amongst Greeks) that these classical names are almost euphemisms or forms of 'nick-names'. An analysis of their names is long overdue since many non-Greek-speaking scholars are not aware that the names of these famous (or infamous) Greeks are actually descriptions or accolades.JimKleiner2 (talk) 01:02, 4 December 2009 (UTC)