Participation in the collective life of the polis both restrains the extraordinary individual and enlarges the ordinary individual, allowing him to participate in the extraordinary. An individual can achieve participatory excellence via the accomplishments of the polis and need not always be caught up in the agnostic struggle to outdo his peers.
Engaging in the communal aspects of society helps to moderate exceptional individuals while empowering everyday people, enabling them to experience greatness. This dynamic suggests that involvement in the collective life of the polis fosters a sense of purpose that transcends mere competition among individuals.
Through the achievements of the polis, individuals can attain a form of excellence that doesn’t rely solely on personal rivalry. This perspective indicates that communal participation is valuable, offering everyone the opportunity to explore and realize extraordinary potential within a supportive framework.
