Final answer:
The Greek myths about the Underworld affected the way people lived in ancient Greece by instilling the belief that one's actions in life would determine their afterlife condition, reinforcing the idea of moral living. Today's values are more diverse and complex, often influenced by personal, cultural, and scientific perspectives.
Step-by-step explanation:
In ancient Greece, the myths about the Underworld and Hades played a significant role in shaping the moral and ethical behaviors of its people. The Greeks believed that one's behavior during life would affect their afterlife, with different regions of the afterlife designated for heroes, ordinary souls, and sinners.
For example, in Homer's texts, almost everyone goes to Hades after death, with places like Tartarus for sinners, and Elysian Fields for heroes. The presence of moira (fate or destiny) also emphasized the need for order in society, as reflected in the hierarchy among gods and goddesses, which in turn influenced the human community's sense of order.
Moral criteria were significant in the underworld conceptions, with Virgil's work showing influences from earlier sources and introducing moral divisions in the afterlife. This concept is further seen in Plato's philosophy, where the souls of the deceased were divided based on their virtuousness in life.
This structure influenced the understanding of justice and ethical living, driving people to live in ways that would assure them a favorable position in the afterlife.
As for the values that drive our lives today, we live in a time where traditional authorities like science, religion, and cultural traditions are often questioned. The search for truth and justice has become more complex, with ideas of relative truth and morality gaining popularity.
This has led to a diverse array of personal values and ethical standards, influenced by a mix of past beliefs, present knowledge, and individual perspectives.