Chreia is a rhetorical and literary device that refers to a brief anecdote or story about a person, usually a famous figure, designed to illustrate a moral point, characteristic, or practical lesson.
It was widely used in ancient Greek and Roman rhetoric as a tool for teaching, emphasizing virtue, wisdom, or cleverness.
✅ Definition:
A short, instructive anecdote about a person that highlights a particular trait, principle, or lesson.
💡 Example:
- “When asked how he remained calm under pressure, Socrates replied, ‘I attend to what I can control, and let the rest go.’”
→ This brief story illustrates Socrates’ wisdom and composure.
Another example:
- “Alexander the Great, when confronted with a mountain of challenges, simply said, ‘There is nothing impossible for the determined mind.’”
→ Shows determination and leadership in a concise anecdote.
And there it is! Now go ahead and use chreia in your CXC prep/CSEC prep.
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