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.
Interpretation
The quote highlights the treachery and danger posed by those in power, suggesting that their intentions are often harmful and deceitful.
Xenophon's quote reflects on the treachery of those in positions of authority, like kings and powerful leaders, who may conspire to eliminate opposition and maintain control. It serves as a reminder of the fragility of freedom and the potential for betrayal in political contexts, where the intentions of leaders can lead to the undoing of those they lead.
In practice
In a discussion about political ethics, this quote can illustrate the dangers of unchecked power.
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.
You 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
[I]t is the reason alone, of the public, that ought to control and regulate the government.
When I think of death, I only regret that I will not be able to see this beautiful country anymore unless the Indians are right and my spirit will walk here after I'm gone.
Suicides have a special language. Like carpenters they want to know which tools. They never ask why build.
The soul yearns to fly home on the wings of love to the world of ideas. It longs to be freed from the chains of the body.
What makes me myself rather than anyone else is the very fact that I am poised between two countries, two or three languages, and several cultural traditions. It is precisely this that defines my identity. Would I exist more authentically if I cut off a part of myself
It is not possible to eat me without insisting that I sing praises of my devourer?
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