We are all sensible that the king and Tisaphernes have caused as many of us as they could to be apprehended, and it is plain they design, by the same treacherous means, if they can, to destroy the rest.
XenophonRead
Those men who, in war, seek to preserve their lives at any rate commonly die with shame and ignominy, while those who look upon death as common to all, and unavoidable, and are only solicitous to die with honour, oftener arrive at old age and, while they live, live happier.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Fearing death can lead to a life of shame, while embracing its inevitability allows one to live honorably and happily.
This quote by Xenophon highlights the paradox of life and death in the context of courage and honor. It suggests that those who live in fear of death, especially in wartime, may ultimately face a more disgraceful end, while those who accept death as a common fate and strive to conduct themselves honorably often find more fulfillment and joy in life, possibly even leading to a longer existence. The essence of true bravery lies in seeking honor over survival at any cost.
Themes
DeathHonorCourageLifeWar
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech addressing bravery in the military context.
More from Xenophon
All quotes βYou see that even the enemy did not dare to declare war against us till they had seized our generals, for they were sensible that, while we had commanders and yielded obedience to them, we were able to conquer them; but, having seized our commanders, they concluded that we should, from a want of command and discipline, be destroyed.
XenophonRead
You know that neither numbers nor strength give the victory, but that side which, with the assistance of the gods, attacks with the greatest resolution is generally irresistible.
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There is small risk a general will be regarded with contempt by those he leads, if, whatever he may have to preach, he shows himself best able to perform.
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Let a man sow a field or plant a farm never so well, yet he cannot foretell who will gather in the fruits; another may build him a house of fairest proportion, yet he knows not who will inhabit it.
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For what the horse does under compulsion, as Simon also observes, is done without understanding; and there is no beauty in it either, any more than if one should whip and spur a dancer.
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