Page 14 - GALIET WE PERIKLES: Thyucidides IV

Galiet & Galiet
my estates) including suffering from the Plague (a most perfect tragedy: I, to die a victim, shrouded by delicate sympathies) for the greatness of the city-state shall reflect upon my own immodest patriotism: “Athens has the greatest name in all that world ... s.he has spent more life and labor in warfare than any other state, thus winning the greatest power that has ever existed in history, such a power that will be re.member.ed for every posterity...” (2.64.1). O what bone-chilling foray: a bit sinister and so appropriately current! O, let us indulge in other classic freedom-fighting thoughts: “... and future generations will wonder at us” (2.41.1) so enticingly placed prior the most brilliant statement “for famous men have the whole earth at their memorial ... It is for you to try to be like them” (2.43.1) and the inconspicuous, wishful-thinking rhetoric lurking in (2.64.2): ... “All who have taken it upon themselves to rule over others have incurred hatred for a time... Hatred does not last for long.” These minims-maxims took a whole team of expert rhetoricians and philosophers to proclaim. O how we swell with shivering icy shadows! O Perikles the Great:
Courage sacrifice
Conquest glory:
the mothers of happiness, the ambrosia of freedom! Enslave others so that we may not be enslaved. O Perikles the Great: must we sacrifice it all, for the power of private profit? O, for what shall it be for today: land – it shall be for posterity: natural resources. Must you, Perikles, must you go on appealing to our hearts: “you must remember that you are citizens of a great city and that you were brought up in a way of life suited for her greatness, you must therefore be willing to face the greatest disasters and be determined never to sacrifice the glory that is yours” (2.61.1). O Perikles: the seduction and odyssey of glory: freedom is empire 3⁄4 empire is tyranny. Courage and Tyranny. Tyranny and Loyalty. O Perikles: must
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