Most people in Western society today think that their ancestors single-handedly created the current cultures and traditions. Unfortunately for them, they were wrong. Most Western societies are based on Greek culture and ideas passed down to the Romans, Europe, and then the Americas. People in Western society would still share the same characteristics as the ancient world. “There is no doubt that Greece was the greatest single source of the elements that make up modern European civilization” (Martin Bernal). One of the important aspects that made Greek ideas so attractive was the idea that humans were capable of reasoning. This is one of the highest values ​​that any human being can ascribe to. The definition of reason was that a person should ask questions and then use a system of thought and activity to find physical answers and thus know what they mean or indicate. Now, in this modern society, this process is known as the scientific method. From this, this system should lead to more questions and should never be answered by supernatural explanations. This was also the beginning of a revolt against the Greek religion. It led to the idea of ​​liberalism. This means that it is a very optimistic belief in human potential. They believed that humans had the capacity for improvement. For example, if you believe in liberalism, you may understand and control natural and human forces. They believed that if you could control things, then you should be able to govern yourself. This so-called ability to reason makes them capable of self-government. Europeans readily accepted this and other important ideas of that time. They also felt individualism, meaning that all rights and privileges were relative to them… middle of the paper… unified or rewarded for their own actions. They also developed the idea that humans are the same except for their innate traits. “To the extent that Western civilization can be said to have an origin, it is the ancient Greeks who lay claim to it” (Paul V. Hartman). The ancient Greeks developed much of what we take for granted, and indeed, we would be a completely different society if they had not existed. This is why Greece is often known as the cradle of Western civilization. Works Cited- http://www.lexisnexis.com.portal.lib.fit.edu/hottopics/lnacademic/?verb=sr&csi=8422&sr=lni%284JMJ- H360-TX1M-R2SG%29- http://www. naciente.com/essay46.htm- http://www.ancientgreece.com/essay/v/greek_achievements/- http://www.helium.com/items /1051575-understanding-of-ancient-greek-architecture- http ://www.helium.com/items/1657910-greek-influence-in-modern-architecture