In  ancient  Greece,  the  term  "idiot"  (ἰδιώτης)  (idiōtēs)  had  a  very  different  meaning  from  what  it  does  today.  It  originally  referred  to  a  private  individual,  someone  who  was  not  involved  in  public  affairs  or  the  governance  of  the  city-state  (polis).  The  word  derives  from  "idios, "  meaning  "private"  or  "one's  own."  An  "idiot"  in  ancient  Greek  society  was  essentially  a  person  who  focused  on  their  private  life  and  interests,  rather  than  participating  in  public  life,  politics,  or  civic  duties.  This  term  carried  a  negative  connotation  because  the  Greeks  highly  valued  active  participation  in  public  affairs  and  viewed  it  as  a  key  aspect  of  citizenship  and  contributing  to  the  common  good.  Therefore,  an  "idiot"  was  seen  as  someone  who  was  disengaged  and  uninvolved  in  the  civic  and  communal  responsibilities  of  society.