by Amelia Rocos*
In the dynamic and unpredictable world of shipping, ancient philosophies continue to provide timeless and profound guidance. Rooted in the heart of Athens and China’s Yellow River Valley, Aristotelian wisdom and Daoism provide enduring insights that are inherently embodied by the shipping industry. The millenia-old mastery of the Greeks in shipping is a testament to these enduring principles, seamlessly integrated into the fabric of maritime tradition.
The Aristotelian Mariner – Mastery Through Practical Wisdom
Aristotle’s philosophy centers on the concept of phronesis, or practical wisdom, which is deeply rooted in real-world experiences and the nuanced understanding of specific situations. This approach is as crucial for today’s mariners as it was for ancient Greek leaders. The practical navigator relies on informed decision-making, adaptive strategies, and a keen sense of situational awareness.
Aristotle articulated the core of practical wisdom in his “Nicomachean Ethics,” emphasizing the importance of balancing theoretical knowledge with practical application: “For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them.” Aristotle’s principle of practical wisdom, deeply ingrained in the Greek context, evolved through centuries of maritime tradition. Greek merchants and navigators, from the establishment of extensive trade networks throughout the Mediterranean to the sophisticated logistics of Byzantine and modern Greek fleets, have continuously applied practical knowledge and adaptive strategies, mastering the shipping industry through continued learning and adaptation.
The Daoist Navigator – Harnessing the Wind
Daoism, the ancient Chinese philosophy attributed to Laozi, offers a complementary perspective with the principle of 无为 (wúwéi), or “effortless action.” This philosophy does not advocate inaction but suggests aligning one’s actions with the natural flow of events, acting in harmony with the world’s inherent rhythms. Just as water flows around a rock, a sailor adjusts his sails to harness the power of the wind effectively. This simple yet profound act of aligning with nature’s forces embodies the essence of Daoist wúwéi. Rather than resisting the wind, the sailor adapts to it, ensuring smooth and efficient navigation.
In the context of shipping, wúwéi translates to navigating geopolitical tensions and natural elements with a mindset of adaptability. The shipping sector prevails through the rise and fall of empires, wars, and global turbulence, adapting to trade disruptions and geopolitical shifts. From ancient Greek merchants overcoming challenges while trading from the ports of Spain to the Black Sea and the Near East, to contemporary issues like the Red Sea attacks and complexities of the Ukraine crisis, the industry shows resilience and strategic adaptability, ensuring continuity in global commerce. This principle of moving with, rather than against, natural forces is central to Daoist thought, which is reflected in the shipping sector’s skilful steering of both diverse seascapes and volatile geopolitical spheres we are faced with today.
The Ship of State – Plato’s Vision and Greek Maritime Tradition
In Book VI of Plato’s “Republic,” the philosopher introduces the allegory of the “ship of state.” Plato likens the governance of a state to the steering of a ship, emphasizing the importance of knowledge, wisdom, and leadership. Just as a sage captain is essential for steering a ship through storms, a philosopher-king, guided by wisdom and virtue, is crucial for guiding a state through crises.
Plato describes the philosopher-king as one who has the vision to see the broader picture, the wisdom to make informed decisions, and the virtue to act in the best interest of the polis. This ideal leader is akin to the captain of a ship, who must possess not only technical skills but also the visionary foresight and moral compass to navigate safely.
Greek maritime tradition has long valued captains who combine technical prowess with strategic insight and ethical leadership. The evolution of Greek captains into the modern philosopher-kings of the shipping sector today reflects this enduring ideal. Greek shipowners and captains, like the ancient philosopher-kings, are tasked with navigating not only the physical challenges of the sea but also the complex geopolitical and economic landscapes of the modern world.
Ancient Wisdom for Modern Shipping
The philosophies of Aristotle and Daoism offer timeless navigational aids that have been inherently embodied by the Greek mastery of shipping. Aristotle’s principles of practical wisdom, alongside Daoist ideals of natural harmony and adaptability, have shaped the strategies for navigating the unpredictable seas of today’s geopolitical and economic landscape.
These ancient teachings remind us that while we cannot command the wind, we can adjust our sails. In doing so, the shipping industry, rooted in centuries of maritime tradition, not only survives the storms of change but thrives amidst them. The wisdom of the ancients provides guidance through the darkness, lighting the way to a prosperous and sustainable future.
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*Amelia Rocos
Being of Greek, Chinese and British heritage, Amelia Rocos graduated from Gordonstoun and subsequently from UCL as a Classicist. Amelia has since been focusing on international maritime, oil and gas security risk and crisis management as Diaplous Group’s Senior Analyst in Athens. Additionally, she participated as a panellist speaker in a number of industry-leading shipping and energy conferences in Athens and Cairo. While finishing her MSc in China & Globalization from King’s College London’s Lau China Institute, Amelia joined International SOS’ information & analysis team as a Security Specialist.
