The Greek polis and the αἱεν ἁριστεὑειν grew up out of mutual enmity. Hellenic and philanthropic are contrary adjectives, although the ancients flattered themselves sufficiently.

Homer is, in the world of the Hellenic discord, the pan-Hellenic Greek. The ἁγὡν of the Greeks is also manifested in the Symposium in the shape of witty conversation.