The Greek Word Aretê Signified "Excellence," a Concept That Historians

The Greek word aretê signified "excellence," a concept that historians insist led the Greeks to do which of the following?

A) Compete fiercely with one another in all fields of endeavor, from the arts to politics, athletics, science, and war, for the public honor that achieving excellence bestowed
B) Seek harmony in their relations with other Greek city-states, so as to perpetuate the state of peace needed to cultivate excellence in such arenas as the arts, philosophy, and commerce
C) Avoid prolonged contact with outside powers, whom the Greeks considered culturally inferior and potentially damaging to the purity of Greek aretê
D) Develop a consuming preoccupation with physical fitness, devoting inordinate amounts of time to athletic games at the expense of other aspects of culture