If human beings had no passions—for power, authority, domination, and so on—life would be a stagnant swamp.
One always commands those who lack the strength to govern themselves. And in order to learn to master oneself, one must first come to know oneself. Hence the value of the Delphic maxim “know thyself” and of measure. When a person becomes truly free, no one can subjugate him.
The strength of Greek thought is not merely a theory of the past, but a guide for a free life. In times of irrationality and arbitrariness, it protects the weak. Reason stands as a barrier against the hubris of power.
He who commands bears the greatest burden of those who obey, for they may one day overthrow him.
Mr. Trump fears the upcoming November elections as long as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. Had Iran possessed nuclear weapons like North Korea, war would not have been attempted. Now, seeing the resilience of the Iranians despite repeated strikes, his anxiety grows: either to devastate the country or to negotiate.
In devastation, he would lose. History and conscience would judge him. In compromise, he may emerge—at least moderately—successful. Whoever gives orders risks himself. Mr. Trump now realizes this, as he must become judge of his own actions.
His contradictory policy toward the European Union reflects this dilemma. Though a supreme leader, he is at the same time constrained by the will of others. Even weakened and leaderless, forces like the “Guardians of the Revolution” persist to the end—for one who is already drenched does not fear the rain.
The slave, after years, may seek to become master—but may still remain enslaved internally. Yet his struggle will not be in vain. Resistance against a stronger force may eventually lead to inner liberation and the overthrow of oppressive systems.
Greek values liberate the individual; therefore, they are opposed—openly or subtly—by powerful systems, whether authoritarian or even under the guise of democracy.
Reason and intellect are the weapons of Greek democracy:
- Resistance to Hubris (the arrogance of power)
- Hubris leads to Ate (delusion), and ultimately to Nemesis (divine justice or downfall)
This cycle is now unfolding. Those who exceed the limits of measure inevitably fall. Knowledge removes fear from the oppressed.
The Iranian people, having faced internal unrest, now unite against external threat, defending their right to self-determination. Through self-sufficiency and solidarity, they endure hardship, reducing dependence on external systems.
In a world of disrupted supply chains, limiting artificial needs reduces vulnerability. Self-sufficiency is not poverty—it is freedom from control.
In times of war, despite propaganda, all sides are judged.
Socrates used questioning to expose ignorance among those claiming wisdom or leadership. Today, such “experts” abound, judging others while being judged themselves.
The Greek spirit today calls for critical thinking—not blind acceptance of authority. Reason allows citizens to challenge falsehoods and protect their integrity.
The strength of Greek thought lies in both the individual and the polis. Yet without strong defense, all else collapses.
Addressing crises requires collective action. A return to the spirit of the Agora (dialogue) and Amphictyony (cooperation) is the only answer to social fragmentation imposed by power structures.
Differences must be resolved through diplomacy, not war. (6/4/26)
Amphiktyon A – Retired Major General Konstantinos Konstantinidis
Writer, Member of the Society of Greek Writers
http://www.amphiktyon.blogspot.com
https://www.amphiktyon.org