Ever wondered where the whole concept of “role models” came from? We love to throw around the term, especially when we’re looking for someone to live up to our lofty expectations—be it in politics, business, or on Instagram. But before we had reporters and Taylor Swift, Aristotle was sitting in ancient Greece, talking about something very similar: moral exemplars.
Now, if you’re thinking “Ancient Greek philosophy has nothing to do with my daily dose of self-help,” think again. Aristotle’s moral exemplars laid the groundwork for what we now see in Positive Psychology as the idea of role models or inspirational figures. In fact, the roots of today’s self-help movement and Positive Psychology owe a pretty significant debt to the old philosopher with a fondness for sandals and endless walks around the Lyceum. Let’s break it down.
Aristotle’s Moral Exemplar: More Than a Marble Statue
Aristotle didn’t have TikTok influencers to look up to, but he did have a clear sense of what made a person good. His moral exemplar was someone who embodied virtue—not in a “holier-than-thou” way, but in a balanced, well-reasoned approach to life. Aristotle was all about phronesis (practical wisdom), which allowed these exemplars to navigate the complexities of human life with grace and rationality. In other words, they didn’t flip tables when things didn’t go their way. They acted with integrity and knew how to hit that “golden mean”—not too much, not too little, just right.
These moral exemplars weren’t born perfect, though. They cultivated virtues like courage, temperance, and justice through experience. And Aristotle believed that by observing these individuals, we too could learn to be better humans. Just like that one friend who always seems to have their life together. You know the one—the annoying but inspiring one.
Enter Positive Psychology: Meet the Modern Moral Exemplar (AKA Role Model)
Fast-forward a few millennia, and we’ve got Positive Psychology, a field that focuses on what makes life worth living, rather than simply avoiding the bad stuff. A big part of this movement is the emphasis on flourishing—which, surprise surprise, is very Aristotelian in nature.
Positive Psychology, like Aristotle’s moral philosophy, places great importance on role models. But instead of calling them “moral exemplars,” we refer to them as “inspirational figures” or “role models”—people who embody traits like resilience, empathy, or perseverance. Essentially, they’re the modern-day version of Aristotle’s virtuous exemplars, but with better hair and social media presence.
Both Aristotle’s moral exemplars and Positive Psychology’s role models share the same function: they’re people we look to for guidance on how to live better lives. Whether it’s Mr. Rogers reminding us to “be kind” or Brene Brown teaching us about vulnerability, we admire these people not because they’re perfect, but because they’ve mastered the art of being fully human. Their struggles, triumphs, and wisdom light the way for us, making them feel almost within reach—unlike the Kardashians, who feel… less so.
Why Moral Exemplars Still Matter Today
In today’s world, we need moral exemplars more than ever. We’re constantly bombarded with messages about how we should be, but rarely do we get good examples of how we could be. Aristotle’s moral exemplars give us a timeless framework for understanding what it means to be good in a messy, complicated world, and Positive Psychology picks up the baton by giving us contemporary figures to inspire us.
The real question is, how can we cultivate our own inner moral exemplar? After all, the ultimate goal isn’t to just admire these role models but to embody those virtues ourselves. No pressure.
Now, before you start a shrine to Aristotle in your living room, remember that he was pretty big on balance. So, whether you’re looking to live a more virtuous life or just trying to find a role model who doesn’t make you feel like a total slacker, the key is moderation, self-reflection, and maybe—just maybe—a little less scrolling through celebrity Twitter feuds.
Questions for You (to help you reflect on your inner Aristotle):
- Who do you think serves as modern-day moral exemplars in our culture? Are they really virtuous, or just good at curating their image?
- How do you see the balance between Aristotle’s virtues and the traits Positive Psychology emphasizes today? Where do they overlap, and where do they differ?
- Do you think role models are necessary for personal growth, or is it possible to navigate life without them?
- How do you personally define a “good life”? Is it more aligned with Aristotle’s idea of virtue or Positive Psychology’s concept of flourishing?
- What are some contemporary challenges to finding authentic role models in today’s digital and hyper-commercialized world?
Let me know your thoughts!