People aren't so different
Nov. 11th, 2020 08:16 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
grayestofghostsI remember I used to think, and am thinking now, when studying antiquity how people could be so warlike, it seems like such a waste of effort and life to find so much valor in fighting all the time, and like such a strike against one's own interests. But now I see people insisting on going out and working, and feeling compelled to continue on as if nothing has happened and calling everyone else who wants to try to do something about it weak, and I think I can understand the pressure and these people more.
When I was reading world history about the development of individualism in the west were verses of Archilochus that stuck with me:
One of the Saians now delights in the shield I discarded
Unwillingly near a bush, for it was perfectly good,
But at least I got myself safely out. Why should I care for that shield?
Let it go. Some other time I'll find another no worse.
Individualism meant here to not care so much for individual battles, but to live and fight another day. It is individualism gone full circle, isn't it, that even with so much of it and people still walk pressured to their deaths.
When I was reading world history about the development of individualism in the west were verses of Archilochus that stuck with me:
One of the Saians now delights in the shield I discarded
Unwillingly near a bush, for it was perfectly good,
But at least I got myself safely out. Why should I care for that shield?
Let it go. Some other time I'll find another no worse.
Individualism meant here to not care so much for individual battles, but to live and fight another day. It is individualism gone full circle, isn't it, that even with so much of it and people still walk pressured to their deaths.
