What is Decalogue?

In order to know the meaning of the term decalogue, it is necessary, in the first place, that we discover its etymological origin. In this case, we can state that it derives from the Greek, exactly from “dekálogos”, which is the result of the sum of two well-differentiated parts:

-The word “deka”, which is synonymous with “ten”.

-The noun “logos”, which can be translated as “word”.

The idea of ​​the decalogue is linked to the ten commandments of Christianity and Judaism.

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The ten Commandments

The first meaning of decalogue mentioned in the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ) refers to the ten commandments that, according to Christianity and Judaism, God communicated to Moses. These precepts function as laws that believers must respect.

The commandments included in the decalogue were arranged in different ways throughout history and according to different traditions. Among the commandments appear sentences such as “You shall honor your father and your mother”, “You shall not kill” and “You shall love God above all things”.

A list of rules, advice or guidelines can be called a catalog.

Decalogue as a set of tips

Decalogue can also refer to a set of advice, guidelines or rules whose respect is essential to carry out an activity. In this case, it is not always about ten suggestions or rules, but there may be fewer or more: “The writer published a decalogue to create a science fiction story”, “The authorities plan to spread a decalogue with rules of coexistence to reduce conflicts between neighbors”, “The decalogue of a good journalist indicates, as a fundamental principle, that the information must be corroborated with three or more sources”.

The English politician, activist and writer Arthur Ponsonby (1871-1946) is the author of the Decalogue of War Propaganda, a list of premises that nations put forward when justifying a war. This decalogue includes maxims such as “The enemy is responsible for the war”, “Intellectuals and artists support our cause” and “Those who question war propaganda are traitors”.

Rules, guidelines and suggestions as a guide

In the same way, we cannot ignore the existence of many other decalogues, as would be the case, for example, of the decalogue of healthy habits that is made up of the following points:

-Make five meals a day: breakfast, mid-morning, lunch, snack and dinner.

-Eat everything. That is, you have to follow a healthy, complete and balanced diet.

-A day you have to drink between 8 and 10 glasses of water.

-It is necessary to carry out daily 1 hour of physical activity. You also have to do, at least 2 or 3 times a week, activities that improve flexibility and strength.

-You have to take care of your health to be healthy and strong.

-It is essential to take advantage of free time to enjoy and be with family and friends.

-Every day you have to shower, wash your hands before and after eating and even brush your teeth.

-It is established that Internet, television or video games must be used less than two hours a day.

-It is essential to sit correctly to prevent the back from looking sore and damaged.

-Every day it is necessary to sleep a minimum of 8 hours.

DECALOGUE