The name Ming Aretê represents the fusion of two vitally important concepts—one Eastern, the other Western. Together, they symbolize the innate human drive for clarity, understanding, excellence, and virtue.

The Chinese character 明 míng is composed of the characters for the sun (日) and the moon (月). It is associated with light, brightness, and illumination, and is used to form words such as 聪明 cōngmíng (“intelligent”), 明白 míngbai (“to understand:), and 明德 míngdé (“highest virtue”).

In its most basic sense, the Greek word ἀρετή aretê means “goodness” or “excellence.” Another meaning is “moral virtue.” Historically, the notion of aretê was bound up with the idea of the fulfillment of a purpose—for example, the goal of achieving one’s potential as a human being. In Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, where the notion of the aretê is central, the question is not simply which actions are morally permissible, but what sort of persons we should aspire to become.

In the spirit of our name, Ming Aretê’s goal is to spread illumination—to bring you content that exemplifies these ideals and that will enrich both your life and the lives of those around you.