I watched a writer’s video, and they mentioned an ancient Greek word that fascinated me.
The Greek word archēgos is used to mean “leader,” “originator,” “founder,” “author,” or “pioneer.”
It describes someone who initiates or leads, as well as someone who originates or authors something.
Yet, here’s the fascinating part: in classical Greek, they’re one and the same.
In classical Greek, archēgos could refer to a hero who founded a city (thus, both a leader and an originator/author), or the leader of a people or movement.
The Greeks understood early on the power authors had in their time, and viewed them as leaders because of it.
In other words, an author is seen as a founder in their field, pioneering a new way of thinking and ultimately becoming a leader of some kind.
So, as an author, it is your duty to be a pioneer and lead us toward a better tomorrow.
It’s what the ancient Greeks expected of you.
Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.
Rudyard Kipling