Ever since I was a child, I have been fascinated with the concept and details of Greek Mythology and how they directly reflect the values of the ancient societies that they were crafted from. In a way, these mythic tales about various gods and goddesses are really stories about the people of Greece as they fostered the greatest society that the earth has ever seen.

Greek mythology dates back to the 8^th century B.C. and while the stories themselves are interesting and fun to read, if you take a closer look, there’s a lot to be gleaned from their origins.

For example, we’re all familiar with Hades – the underworld – where souls go after death and where their ruler (also named Hades) reigned supreme. The creation of this fictional land of the dead indicates that the Greeks held a developed concept of life after death and believed that there were powerful supernatural beings that exist beyond man’s knowledge.

Another interesting insight into the Greek culture is highlighted through the deity Dionysus, the god of wine, theater and celebration. He was “the social god.” It’s curious to think of how important these aspects were to a people who lived so long ago without the conveniences of modern technology. I guess partying and the pursuit of joy is as old as time.

It’s also intriguing that the gods/goddesses in Greek mythology are flawed and have their own distinct personalities that leave them open to error; whereas religious figures in modern beliefs are examples of perfection and holiness.

It makes one thing about how drastically different the ancient Greeks thought about the world compared with our views and understandings today. And yet, what amazes me is that many of the same themes and thoughts that originated from their society still persist all over the world today.

These themes add a human element to the Greek myths and highlight the unescapable qualities of human nature. While Greek gods were certainly flawed, notions of good and evil and of consequences still resonate within every culture on the planet. Later on, the Greeks would also lay the foundations for Western philosophy with great thinkers such as Socrates, Plato and Aristotle.

Whether it’s the ancient Greek myths or the classic epics of Homer, we can learn a lot about ancient man (and ourselves) through these stories. I would highly recommend anyone to spend a little time to explore this vast area of knowledge.

I think you will find the works to be enriching as well as a lot of fun!

~ Scott Asner Kansas City, Missouri

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It’s essential that we give back to our environment in any way we can, and at Eighteen Capital Group, we do this by incorporating cutting-edge “green” technologies in all of our managed properties. Sustainability is key to the preservation of our ecosystem, and we can practice this in a multitude of ways. Homes that exude eco-friendly qualities will not only give back to our environment, but they can also save you money in the long-run–certainly a win-win in my book.

In an effort to make our homes environmentally conscious, here are a few excellent and cost-effective upgrades you can make:

• Install a Smart Meter: One of the biggest culprits of energy consumption in your home is your heating system. Especially true during the cold winter months, your heating system uses an exorbitant amount of energy and money. To solve this problem, you may want to consider installing a smart meter. Smart meters can be programmed for maximum efficiency, they are an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint, and they will save you money on your next energy bill.

• Energy Efficient Light Bulbs: Cheap and easy to find, energy-efficient light bulbs are another sure-fire way to promote sustainability in your home. These bulbs use less electricity while lasting much longer than the average bulb.

• Window Treatments: While natural light can add the perfect aesthetic to a home, too much natural light can make your house a bit warmer, requiring your air conditioning system to work hard to keep your house cool. In turn, this can cause significant increases in your energy bill at the end of the month. To solve this problem, consider the various window treatments you can invest in for your home. From glass tints to curtains, there are many cost-effective options to keep the temperature of your house regulated properly.

• Low Flow Shower Heads: Long, hot showers can lead to wasted water and energy. Luckily, low-flow shower heads are the perfect solution for individuals who enjoy 10-15 minutes of peace in the shower but don’t want to waste money and water. Low flow shower heads can decrease water consumption by 40% or more. These shower heads exude sustainability by reducing water consumption while decreasing your water bill at the same time.

While these are only a few small examples, there are a multitude of ways to practice sustainability in your home. This is a practice we take very serious throughout Eighteen Capital Group and in my own home. How do you practice sustainability in your home?

~ Scott Asner Kansas City, Missouri (Founding Principal of Eighteen Capital Group)

Also follow Scott Asner on: Medium, About.me, Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook, and Xing.