Wisdom from the Ancients by Thomas J. Figueira

Author:Thomas J. Figueira
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Basic Books
Published: 2012-01-27T16:00:00+00:00

Taking Advantage of the “Ugly” Spartan

Cimon, by gently taking the side of the injured parties and by dealing with them with generosity of spirit, imperceptibly won the hegemony over Greece, not by force of arms, but by discussion and character, for the majority of the allies joined Cimon and Aristeides, unable to tolerate the harshness and arrogance of Pausanias.

–PLUTARCH, LIFE OF CIMON 6.2

Yet the wise leader knew that some situations were so intense that a more collaborative approach might endanger an advantageous result. Thucydides considered Pericles to represent the pinnacle of leadership because of his moderation, foresight, immunity to corruption, and aversion to unnecessary risks. The following is one of the many episodes on which he based that appraisal. When the Athenians saw their territory invaded by a much stronger Spartan-led army, they were so exasperated that any discussion of the situation could risk a dangerous decision. They might leave their carefully prepared fortifications for a single huge battle that might put the survival of their empire and democracy at risk.

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