Plutarch - Sayings of Spartans and Spartan Women (rev. selections)
Introduction to Plutarch and Spartan Sayings
Plutarch, a Greek historian from approximately 46-119 CE, highlighted the significance of brevity and character in Spartan culture. His collection, prominently featuring sayings and anecdotes from Spartiate figures, underscores that the essence of an individual's character can often be captured in concise remarks. This collection notably includes over 340 sayings attributed to 68 named Spartiate figures, along with additional anonymous sayings.
Sayings of Leonidas
Character and Leadership
Response to Equality: Leonidas remarked, “But if I were no better than you others, I should not be king,” emphasizing a leader's inherent superiority.
Advice to Gorgo: As he prepared for the battle at Thermopylae, he instructed his wife to prioritize marrying good men and bearing good children, reflecting Spartan values of virtue and legacy.
Courage in Battle
On Numbers: When chastised for bringing only a few men, he stated, “Too many for the enterprise on which we are going,” showcasing his confidence in quality over quantity.
Facing Adversity: Leonidas acknowledged the perilous situation with, “Truth, soon we shall either kill the barbarians, or else we are bound to be killed ourselves.” His focus was on valor.
Motivation to Fight: He used the Persian arrows as an opportunity, wittily stating, “Won’t it be nice, then, if we shall have shade in which to fight them?,” illustrating a humorous acceptance of challenge.
Value of Valor: He affirmed belief in courage over numbers, asserting, “If you men think that I rely on numbers, then all Greece is not sufficient...but if on men’s valour, then this number will do.”
Facing Xerxes
Rejecting Offers from Xerxes: Leonidas rejected Xerxes’ proposition for him to switch allegiances, prioritizing death for Greece over power, thus emphasizing loyalty and integrity.
Defiance & Bravery: Upon receiving a message to surrender his arms, he famously replied, “Come and take them.”
Sayings of Lycurgus
Foundations of Spartan Society
Training & Discipline: Lycurgus demonstrated the impact of training through a comparison between two dogs, emphasizing that discipline shapes character.
Land Redistribution: He initiated land equalization to eliminate inequality among citizens, fostering communal bonds.
Iron Currency System: By introducing iron currency to discourage theft and luxury, he aimed to create a society based on equality and a strong moral foundation.
Simplification of Life
Common Meals: Instituting common meals aimed to eradicate class differences in food, reinforcing discipline and unity among citizens.
Wealth and Virtue: Lycurgus taught that wealth is blind, expressing the sentiment that true magnificence lies in moral integrity rather than material possessions.
Laws and Governance
Nature of Governance: He suggested that trained individuals know what best serves their society, therefore negating the need for written laws.
Promoting Physical Training: Advocating physical training for young women ensured strong offspring and equality in health and strength between genders.
Spartan Women’s Sayings
Gorgo's Wisdom
Political Insight: Gorgo's commentary on war and influences exemplifies the keen political awareness in Spartan women.
Valor and Strength in Women
Nurturing Courage: Spartan mothers encouraged their children toward bravery, exemplified by one mother who, upon hearing bad news, killed her son for reporting failure.
Upholding Virtue: During a marriage proposal, a Spartan woman firmly asserted the importance of family virtue over wealth and social allure.
Conclusion
The sayings attributed to the Spartans, especially as documented by Plutarch, reflect a society deeply rooted in values of virtue, courage, and equality. The succinct expressions from leaders like Leonidas and lawgivers like Lycurgus provide profound insights into the character-driven ethos of Sparta, where a man’s worth was often measured by their valor and adherence to communal values.
Plutarch - Sayings of Spartans and Spartan Women (rev. selections)
Introduction to Plutarch and Spartan Sayings
Plutarch, a Greek historian from approximately 46-119 CE, highlighted the significance of brevity and character in Spartan culture. His collection, prominently featuring sayings and anecdotes from Spartiate figures, underscores that the essence of an individual's character can often be captured in concise remarks. This collection notably includes over 340 sayings attributed to 68 named Spartiate figures, along with additional anonymous sayings.
Sayings of Leonidas
Character and Leadership
Response to Equality: Leonidas remarked, “But if I were no better than you others, I should not be king,” emphasizing a leader's inherent superiority.
Advice to Gorgo: As he prepared for the battle at Thermopylae, he instructed his wife to prioritize marrying good men and bearing good children, reflecting Spartan values of virtue and legacy.
Courage in Battle
On Numbers: When chastised for bringing only a few men, he stated, “Too many for the enterprise on which we are going,” showcasing his confidence in quality over quantity.
Facing Adversity: Leonidas acknowledged the perilous situation with, “Truth, soon we shall either kill the barbarians, or else we are bound to be killed ourselves.” His focus was on valor.
Motivation to Fight: He used the Persian arrows as an opportunity, wittily stating, “Won’t it be nice, then, if we shall have shade in which to fight them?,” illustrating a humorous acceptance of challenge.
Value of Valor: He affirmed belief in courage over numbers, asserting, “If you men think that I rely on numbers, then all Greece is not sufficient...but if on men’s valour, then this number will do.”
Facing Xerxes
Rejecting Offers from Xerxes: Leonidas rejected Xerxes’ proposition for him to switch allegiances, prioritizing death for Greece over power, thus emphasizing loyalty and integrity.
Defiance & Bravery: Upon receiving a message to surrender his arms, he famously replied, “Come and take them.”
Sayings of Lycurgus
Foundations of Spartan Society
Training & Discipline: Lycurgus demonstrated the impact of training through a comparison between two dogs, emphasizing that discipline shapes character.
Land Redistribution: He initiated land equalization to eliminate inequality among citizens, fostering communal bonds.
Iron Currency System: By introducing iron currency to discourage theft and luxury, he aimed to create a society based on equality and a strong moral foundation.
Simplification of Life
Common Meals: Instituting common meals aimed to eradicate class differences in food, reinforcing discipline and unity among citizens.
Wealth and Virtue: Lycurgus taught that wealth is blind, expressing the sentiment that true magnificence lies in moral integrity rather than material possessions.
Laws and Governance
Nature of Governance: He suggested that trained individuals know what best serves their society, therefore negating the need for written laws.
Promoting Physical Training: Advocating physical training for young women ensured strong offspring and equality in health and strength between genders.
Spartan Women’s Sayings
Gorgo's Wisdom
Political Insight: Gorgo's commentary on war and influences exemplifies the keen political awareness in Spartan women.
Valor and Strength in Women
Nurturing Courage: Spartan mothers encouraged their children toward bravery, exemplified by one mother who, upon hearing bad news, killed her son for reporting failure.
Upholding Virtue: During a marriage proposal, a Spartan woman firmly asserted the importance of family virtue over wealth and social allure.
Conclusion
The sayings attributed to the Spartans, especially as documented by Plutarch, reflect a society deeply rooted in values of virtue, courage, and equality. The succinct expressions from leaders like Leonidas and lawgivers like Lycurgus provide profound insights into the character-driven ethos of Sparta, where a man’s worth was often measured by their valor and adherence to communal values.
