What Causes the Fall of States? Adrastus, King of Argos, led a war against Thebes, on behalf of his son-in-law Polynices, to regain the rule of Thebes from the latter’s brother Eteocles. He was defeated, the young men of Argos were killed, and he came to Athens as a suppliant to seek help from King Theseus to obtain their corpses for burial. Euripides’ account of the tragedies of Argos reminds […]
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“Heracleidae” by Euripides
After the death of Heracles, his children were persecuted by his enemy Eurystheus, King of Argos, who had imposed Twelve Labours on Heracles. They sought protection at Athens from King Demophon, son of Theseus, who initially agreed to defend them but later was informed by an oracle that they could not defeat Eurystheus unless they sacrifice a child of noble birth. Macaria, Heracles’ daughter, offered to sacrifice herself to save […]
Read more“Heracles” by Euripides
A comic-tragic tale of the hero Heracles, who delivers his wife and children from his enemy by his heroics, only to slay them himself moments later in his madness. It is sobering to think how little separates a hero from a ruthless killer. Quotes: Cowardice “The bravest man is he who relies ever on his hopes, but despair is the mark of a coward.” “A man is a weakling, who […]
Read moreKierkegaard on Thanksgiving
“If I thank God for the good I can discern to be a good, I am making a fool of God, because then my relationship with God means I am transforming God in likeness to me instead of my being transformed in likeness to Him. I thank Him for the good that I know is a good, but what I know is the finite, and consequently, I go ahead and […]
Read more“Concluding Unscientific Postscript to Philosophical Fragments” by Søren Kierkegaard
Faith, History and Scripture Suppose one can prove that the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ life are historically accurate, the Holy Scripture authentic, and the Church’s Doctrine infallible, is it then sufficient for an individual to have Faith? Johannes Climacus’ (Kierkegaard’s pseudonym) answer is no. He goes further and posits that even if all the above were proven to be unreliable, it would not affect the Faith of a genuine disciple. […]
Read more“The Peloponnesian War” by Thucydides
The National Characters of Athens and Sparta The Athenians are addicted to innovation, and their designs are characterized by swiftness alike in conception and execution; you have a genius for keeping what you have got, accompanied by a total want of invention, and when forced to act you never go far enough. Again, they are adventurous beyond their power, and daring beyond their judgment, and in danger they are sanguine; […]
Read more“Philippics” by Cicero
[Volume XV of Loeb Classical Library’s 28-volume series] Peace, Slavery and War The name of peace is sweet, and the thing itself wholesome, but between peace and servitude the difference is great. Peace is tranquil liberty, servitude the last of all evils, one to be repelled, not only by war but even by death. Although all decent men desire peace, especially peace between fellow countrymen, I have desired more than […]
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