avatarTreathyl Fox aka cmoneyspinner

Summary

Edith Hamilton is celebrated as a pioneering American educator, classical scholar, and honorary citizen of Athens, known for her influential works on Greek and Roman mythology and culture.

Abstract

The web content highlights the life and contributions of Edith Hamilton, an esteemed American educator and classical scholar. Born on August 12, 1867, and passing away on May 31, 1963, Hamilton is recognized for her significant impact on the field of education, particularly for women. She is the author of "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes," a definitive volume on Western mythology, as well as "The Greek Way" and "The Roman Way." Her work has earned her the honor of becoming an honorary citizen of Athens, Greece, in 1957. Hamilton's legacy is remembered for her insightful interpretations of ancient myths and her role as a trailblazer for high-achieving women in education.

Opinions

  • The content suggests that the gods in Greek mythology, while captivating, were often portrayed as capricious and undependable, which contrasts with the modern-day political landscape that is likened to a circus.
  • Edith Hamilton's work is considered an essential reference for anyone interested in Western mythology, indicating a high level of respect for her scholarship.
  • The author of the web content expresses admiration for Hamilton's achievements, particularly noting her role as a pioneer for women in education and her support from family members.
  • The modern Greeks' decision to make Hamilton an honorary citizen of Athens reflects their appreciation for her contributions to the study and preservation of Greek culture and mythology.
  • The content implies that Hamilton's books provide a timeless perspective on the nature of gods and heroes, which remains relevant in contemporary society.
  • The web content emphasizes the importance of Women's History Month and positions Edith Hamilton as a role model for high-achieving women, underscoring the value of her legacy in the context of women's achievements throughout history.

● Women in Education: Edith Hamilton

Shining a spotlight on Edith Hamilton, honorary citizen of Athens, Greece, classical scholar, and American educator.

“Father Zeus never helps liars or those who break their oaths.” — A warning to the Greek army at Troy

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“For the most part the immortal gods were of little use to human beings and often they were quite the reverse of useful: Zeus a dangerous lover for mortal maidens and completely incalculable in his use of the terrible thunderbolt; Ares the make of war and a general pest; Hera with no idea of justice when she was jealous as she perpetually was; Athena, also a war maker, and wielding the lightning’s sharp lance quite as irresponsibly as Zeus did; Aphrodite using her power chiefly to ensnare and betray. They were beautiful, radiant company, to be sure, and their adventures made excellent stories; but when they were not positively harmful, they were capricious and undependable and in general mortals got on best without them.”

If that is what mankind wants or needs, then we already have that. Our media creates a graphic picture of a circus where all the performers are politicians, mainly in Washington, D.C. but also campaigning around various parts of the country as well. Alright they’re not gods; they’re demigods. But you get the picture.

Both quotes above were extracted from a book by Edith Hamilton, titled “Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes“. The original copyright date was 1942 and the renewed copyright date was 1969. This work has been deemed a “definitive volume” of gods, mortals, monsters, and warriors; which means it is considered an essential reference for anyone interested in studying Western mythology.

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Edith Hamilton (12 August 1867–31 May 1963) was an American educator and author who was “recognized as the greatest woman Classicist”. You can read her condensed biography at Distinguished Women of Past and Present. True she was a pioneer, as far as a woman in her time making advancements in the field of education, but she was also very fortunate to have a father and a sister who supported her initiatives and efforts. Her father saw to it that she developed her mind and her sister was by her side as they both pursued their higher education goals. The late Ms. Hamilton also authored “The Greek Way” and “The Roman Way“, published in the 1930s.

So pleased were the modern day Greeks with her efforts that she was made an honorary citizen of Athens in 1957.

Edith Hamilton (1867 -1963), distinguished American educator and writer, made her mark in women’s history and will always be remembered for her brilliant works as a classical scholar.

Ms. Hamilton is a role model for high-achieving women.

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March is Women’s History Month.

Classics
Women
Quotes
Higher Education
Life
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