I am a Spartan?
Occasionally I come out with the phrase : ” I am a Spartan”, I use it frequently to myself and sometimes to others and I feel that this requires a little explanation for my sake and for others should they care.
Well the phrase initially was drawn from the move “300” which tells of the Spartans’ ( and other Greeks’) defense of the realm at Thermopylae against the Persians. It is also a concept that I read extensively about in the Peloponeisan War by Thucydides and is a constant theme throughout the best of modern Greek literature. Secondly the dichotomy between the Athenian virtues and Spartan Heroism ,has always intrigued me.
Well the phrase initially was drawn from the move “300” which tells of the Spartans’ ( and other Greeks’) defense of the realm at Thermopylae against the Persians. It is also a concept that I read extensively about in the Peloponeisan War by Thucydides and is a constant theme throughout the best of modern Greek literature. Secondly the dichotomy between the Athenian virtues and Spartan Heroism ,has always intrigued me.
Now I do not suppose myself to be some ancient warrior, nor some invincible king, but in essence what I have always followed are the true Spartan codes, I have always valued honour over subterfuge, have prized freedom as a priority and never shirked from action where action could bring greater glory.
This is not to say that I think I am some great dude or something, just its like small; things in life where I see modern man say – ” I can’t” or “I’m tired” when faced with choosing between fun/ duty/ action or comfort that I say these words to myself, they are a reminder not to get soft, not to be scared and not to fear. never to take the easy road where the harder promises more excitement or honesty to my nature.