Answer to Example

✅ What the Story Is About (The Substance):

The story comes from Herodotus’ Histories (Book 1). It involves Solon, a wise Athenian lawmaker, and Croesus, the wealthy king of Lydia. Croesus asks Solon who the happiest man in the world is, expecting Solon to say himself because of his wealth and power.

Instead, Solon names Tellus of Athens, a man who lived a good, modest life, had a family, and died honorably in battle. Then Solon adds Kleobis and Biton, who died peacefully after performing a great act of piety for their mother. Solon’s point is that no one can be called truly happy until they have died well, because fortunes can change at any time.

🎯 Purpose of the Story:

The purpose is to challenge the idea that happiness comes from wealth or power. It teaches that true happiness (or eudaimonia) comes from living a virtuous life and dying at the right time—having lived fully and with honor.

It’s also a warning against hubris (arrogant pride). Croesus thinks he is the happiest man because he’s rich, but later in the story, he loses everything—his son, his kingdom, and almost his life. So the story reminds us that life is uncertain, and human greatness is fragile.

🧠 Philosophy Behind It:

This story reflects early Greek philosophical ideas about human life:

• Eudaimonia (flourishing or blessedness) is not just about pleasure or money—it’s about living virtuously.

• Fortune (tyche) is unpredictable, and we must be humble.

• Human life can only be judged in full at the end, because anything can change before then.

Solon basically says: “Call no man happy until he is dead.”

🏛 Greek Values in the Story:

• Moderation (sophrosyne): Solon promotes a balanced life, not excess.

• Piety and honor: Kleobis and Biton honor their mother and the gods.

• Humility: Don’t boast about your fortune; it can vanish.

• Virtue over wealth: Tellus is considered happiest not because he was rich, but because he lived a good life and died nobly.

📝 In Summary (for your exam):