The Philotimo Initiative began in London in 2011, following the realization of a research gap within international bibliography around the complex concept of ‘Philotimo’- a concept central to Greek cultural identity. The idea to explore the “lost Philotimo,” as it’s often referred to by Greeks, began a fascinating journey of improbable coincidences and illumined encounters that led to the incorporation of the non-profit Think/Do startup platform Philotimo Foundation in September 2014.
We are an international group of friends, experts in our respective fields ranging from psychology, medicine, and marketing to statistical and computer science. We began by collecting data and engaging the international community of Greeks to help us redefine the word ‘Philotimo’ (the epitome of human virtue and how to attain it) in the 21st century. The more data we gathered, the more certain we became of #PHILOTIMO’s centrality in what constitutes social capital and good citizenship today across western democracies.
Philotimo is a word that can’t be reproduced by the “system”, upon which the system however relies in its darkest hour to be revived and renewed.
We believe that there couldn’t be better timing for the need to engage in an open dialogue around what constitutes good and what not for society. No better timing to introduce a word like #PHILOTIMO as the antidote to words such as Post-Truth, Xenophobia and the sense of living in a Surreal world!
With your support we will be able to gain momentum for Philotimo, petition for its entry in international dictionaries (most likely right under the word ‘Philosophy’), and spread its meaning globally with ain aim to create a world trend by the end of 2017.
We are currently undertaking the production of a Feature Documentary on the history, theory, science and social capital of Philotimo, featuring experts across cultures and disciplines. A partner in this endeavor is the highly acclaimed production team of “Indigo View” !
All we ask is that you use the hashtag #PHILOTIMO to share thoughts, feelings and stories about Philotimo across your social networks, and in doing so take part in a unique international movement to change the world, one philotimous gesture/hashtag at a time!
Spread the word #PHILOTIMO and join us on this journey!