Props for Honor, Pericles
After reading this, besides continuously viewing ancient Greeks as being wordy little buggers, with speech that at times I don't know if I understand, I liked the parts of the speech that I felt I actually did understand.
I like how Pericles says that when a person is focused on his community, his selfishness is null, no matter the status of the individual. The poor man sets aside his dreams of a better life, while the well-off person sets aside his wealth, both for the purpose of gaining honor, though greater in death, and as such directly benefit the whole of Athens.
By placing more value on honor, and giving honor as a reward from actions of Athens' benefit, Athens itself is benefited by self-sufficient system of honor and benefit, while personal possessions are less important and envy is lessened between neighbors.
Likewise, Friendships are gained more from giving favors, and those in debt are self-obligated to return the favor, so more benefit is received, for not only Athens itself, but individuals as well.
This system of honor is wise, and quite a kind standard, as most people get benefited, no matter the societal status, if by nothing else than honor in battle.
I feel I do have to make a defense for Pericles when he talks about women. I believe he is referring to that if a man's mind is on a woman while he is in battle, he is distracted and/or motivated to flee for the sake of not losing her, as the woman in a man's life is more drawing than his possessions, as she is the one constantly there for him, and a place of peace and rest.
I may be completely misunderstanding everything that I read, which actually wouldn't surprise me.
--Isaac S. Wilson
I like how Pericles says that when a person is focused on his community, his selfishness is null, no matter the status of the individual. The poor man sets aside his dreams of a better life, while the well-off person sets aside his wealth, both for the purpose of gaining honor, though greater in death, and as such directly benefit the whole of Athens.
By placing more value on honor, and giving honor as a reward from actions of Athens' benefit, Athens itself is benefited by self-sufficient system of honor and benefit, while personal possessions are less important and envy is lessened between neighbors.
Likewise, Friendships are gained more from giving favors, and those in debt are self-obligated to return the favor, so more benefit is received, for not only Athens itself, but individuals as well.
This system of honor is wise, and quite a kind standard, as most people get benefited, no matter the societal status, if by nothing else than honor in battle.
I feel I do have to make a defense for Pericles when he talks about women. I believe he is referring to that if a man's mind is on a woman while he is in battle, he is distracted and/or motivated to flee for the sake of not losing her, as the woman in a man's life is more drawing than his possessions, as she is the one constantly there for him, and a place of peace and rest.
I may be completely misunderstanding everything that I read, which actually wouldn't surprise me.
--Isaac S. Wilson
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