A paradeigma is a short story told to provide an example of good behaviour.
There are lots of examples in classical literature (obviously, which is why the Greeks had to come up with a name for it). In the Bible, parables are examples of paradeigmata.
But they're still used by people to this day.
You don't hear the Queen moaning about having to wear heels.
You never saw Jason Statham in a toupee, did you?
Jack the Giant Killer didn't let the fact that he was an idiot stop him exploring.
In fact, I'm beginning to wonder if paradeigmata aren't the essential foundation of all discourse.
So if anyone's looking for a subject for their PhD...
Nuts and Bolts: paradeigmata. This word means pattern or example in Greek. It comes from paradeiknumi, to exhibit or represent, from para, beside or beyond, and deiknumi, to show.
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