The Greeks had had no clear notion of it. For them the future had been indeterminable. In Aristotle's teaching, a man could never say for certain if there would be a sea battle tomorrow.
In "The Lowland" by Jhumpa Lahiri, the author explores the Greek perspective on the concept of the future. Unlike modern views that often emphasize predictability and certainty, the Greeks perceived the future as uncertain and ambiguous. This notion is encapsulated in Aristotle's teachings, which suggest that one cannot definitively predict events, such as a potential sea battle. This philosophical stance highlights a significant difference in how cultures approach the unknown. The inability to ascertain future events can lead to a sense of unpredictability and anxiety, shaping how individuals and societies respond to the passage of time and decision-making. Lahiri's examination invites readers to reflect on the implications of living with uncertainty.
