If human beings had no passions\u2014for power, authority, domination, and so on\u2014life would be a stagnant swamp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 \u201cknow thyself\u201d<\/em> and of measure<\/em>. When a person becomes truly free, no one can subjugate him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/em> of power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He who commands bears the greatest burden of those who obey, for they may one day overthrow him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In devastation, he would lose. History and conscience would judge him. In compromise, he may emerge\u2014at least moderately\u2014successful. Whoever gives orders risks himself. Mr. Trump now realizes this, as he must become judge of his own actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 \u201cGuardians of the Revolution\u201d persist to the end\u2014for one who is already drenched does not fear the rain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The slave, after years, may seek to become master\u2014but 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Greek values liberate the individual; therefore, they are opposed\u2014openly or subtly\u2014by powerful systems, whether authoritarian or even under the guise of democracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reason and intellect are the weapons of Greek democracy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This cycle is now unfolding. Those who exceed the limits of measure inevitably fall. Knowledge removes fear from the oppressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a world of disrupted supply chains, limiting artificial needs reduces vulnerability. Self-sufficiency is not poverty\u2014it is freedom from control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In times of war, despite propaganda, all sides are judged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Socrates used questioning to expose ignorance among those claiming wisdom or leadership. Today, such \u201cexperts\u201d abound, judging others while being judged themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Greek spirit today calls for critical thinking\u2014not blind acceptance of authority. Reason allows citizens to challenge falsehoods and protect their integrity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The strength of Greek thought lies in both the individual and the polis<\/em>. Yet without strong defense, all else collapses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Addressing crises requires collective action. A return to the spirit of the Agora<\/em> (dialogue) and Amphictyony (cooperation) is the only answer to social fragmentation imposed by power structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Differences must be resolved through diplomacy, not war. (6\/4\/26)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Amphiktyon A \u2013 Retired Major General Konstantinos Konstantinidis<\/em> http:\/\/www.amphiktyon.blogspot.com<\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" If human beings had no passions\u2014for power, authority, domination, and so on\u2014life 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 \u201cknow thyself\u201d and of measure. … <\/p>\n\n
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Writer, Member of the Society of Greek Writers<\/p>\n\n\n\n
http:\/\/www.amphiktyon.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n