They [the Persians] are accustomed to deliberate on matters of the highest moment when warm with wine; but whatever they in this situation may determine is again proposed to them on the morrow, in their cooler moments, by the person in whose house they had before assembled. If at this time also it meet their approbation, it is executed; otherwise it is rejected. Whatever also they discuss when sober, is always a second time examined after they have been drinking.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of reflection and careful decision-making over impulsive actions, particularly influenced by emotions like intoxication.
Herodotus highlights a cultural practice among the Persians where significant decisions are made in a state of inebriation but are revisited and evaluated when sober. This practice underscores the value of reflection and the necessity of distinguishing between temporary emotions and rational thought before finalizing any important decisions.
In practice
This quote could be used in a discussion about cultural practices in decision-making.
The Scythians take kannabis seed, creep in under the felts, and throw it on the red-hot stones. It smolders and sends up such billows of steam-smoke that no Greek vapor bath can surpass it. The Scythians howl with joy in these vapor-baths, which serve them instead of bathing, for they never wash their bodies with water.
The man who has planned badly, if fortune is on his side, may have had a stroke of luck; but his plan was a bad one nonetheless.
Men trust their ears less than their eyes.
Great deeds are usually wrought at great risks.
The worst pain a man can have is to know much and be impotent to act.
All men's gains are the fruit of venturing.
A man's own good breeding is the best security against other people's ill manners.
Stunned and still not suffering. Swollen with care and anxiety and still not suffering. Useless, old and full of grief, but still not suffering.
We distinguish the excellent man from the common man by saying that the former is the one who makes great demands on himself, and the latter who makes no demands on himself.
The early morning has gold in its mouth.
The way it actually works is the reverse. You must first be who you really are, then do what you need to do, in order to have what you want.
You can either practice being right or practice being kind.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.