Quote by Homer: “Always be the best, my boy, and stand out from the others.”

This quote embodies the ancient Greek ideal of *arête*, striving for excellence and distinguishing oneself in all endeavors, especially warfare. It encourages relentless pursuit of virtue, skill, and honor, urging individuals to always perform at their highest potential and surpass others in glory.

This advice, given by Glaucus, reflects the strong emphasis on individual glory, heroic achievement, and competitive excellence that characterized the warrior culture depicted in the Iliad and ancient Greek society.

Ancient Greek epic poet credited with composing the Iliad and the Odyssey, two of the oldest and most influential works of Western literature. Whether Homer was a single historical figure or a composite of oral poets remains debated. The poems, dated to approximately 750–700 BCE, shaped Greek identity, values, and religious thought for centuries.