ΤΟ ΕΠΙΜΕΛΕΙΣΘΑΙ ΕΑΥΤΟΥ ΕΣΤΙΝ ΕΠΙΜΕΛΕΙΣΘΑΙ ΤΗΣ ΨΥΧΗΣ / To care for oneself is to care for the soul.
ΟΥ ΤΑ ΧΡΗΜΑΤΑ ΥΜΑΣ ΠΟΙΕΙΝ ΑΛΛΑ ΤΗΝ ΨΥΧΗΝ ΩΣ ΑΡΙΣΤΗΝ ΕΙΝΑΙ / Care not for your bodies or your wealth so much as for the best possible state of your soul.
the concept of EPIMELESTHAI ("care for one's self / care for the soul) is key concept of classical philosophical tradition
Soul (ψυχή) often equated with life-force or breath.
"all things are full of gods" Aristotle, De Anima 411a7, quoting Thales
Heraclitus: the soul has a deep, unexplored structure and needs to be “kindled” like fire to become wise
Pythagoreans: soul is immortal and transmigrates (metempsychosis).
Empedocles and Anaxagoras introduce NOUS (mind) as a soul-like power.
No strict separation yet between physical and spiritual dimensions.
Soul is created by God and infused at conception.
Augustine: soul seeks rest in God; image of God within the soul.
Soul is immortal, destined for salvation or damnation.
Soul's faculties: memory, understanding, will (trinitarian analogy).
Union with God is possible through grace and charity.
Body-soul dualism often influenced by Platonic models.