Peloponnesian War: Sparta & Corinth Align Against Athens
Posted by Orrin Woodward on November 24, 2012
Here is a portion of my study on the Greeks. It’s interesting to me how much history repeats itself. No one is free from the effects of the Five Laws of Decline, thus it’s important to comprehend them and recognize where they are actively at work. The LIFE Business systems are designed to check the FLD to ensure a “no special deals” culture and anyone can climb to the top based upon results. LIFE, in others words, rewards creators, not credentialist. Credentialist hide behind titles to demand rights, but creators lead from the front through serving others. The dream is to build something that last through having fun, making money, and making a difference, one person at a time. I hope you enjoy part one of the Peloponnesian War.
Sincerely,
With Corinth actively for war, Sparta, as the leader of the Peloponnesian league, still held back. There were conflicting opinions within Spartan leadership. On one side, King Archidamus strongly opposed war, believing the confederacy, in its present condition, needed time before it was ready to face the Athenians. On the other side, Sthenelaidas, the ephor, argued for war immediately or he feared the alliance would break up and Sparta would stand alone against Athens. He believed the oppressor must be withstood immediately by actions, not words, for the honor of Sparta was at stake. When the question was put to the assembly – whether Athens had broken its treaty – a large majority voted in the affirmative and war was declared. Surprisingly, it still took nearly a year before any hostilities broke out as Sparta continued to look for a political solution to the impasse. Nevertheless, when King Archidamus, with his army marching into Athenian territory, sent a final envoy to negotiate a settlement, the Athenians refused to admit him. He was sent away without hearing after being told that no negotiations would occur while the Spartans were in the field. As the envoy departed the Athenian escorting him to the border lands, he uttered the prophetic melancholy words, “This day will be to the Hellenes the beginning of great calamities.” Thus, the destruction of Greek nation was foretold with the beginning of the Peloponnesian War.
The destruction incurred by both leagues in this war should have brought both sides to their senses; instead, it brought both to their knees. Even after the plague hit Athens and tens of thousands were dying from this unknown killer, Pericles remained undaunted. At the suggestion of send a peace envoy to Sparta, Pericles appealed to the glory of empire. Historian Evelyn Abbot describes the effect power had upon Pericles’ mindset:
War was a great evil, which no city would bring upon herself, if it could be avoided, but loss of independence was a greater evil by far, and, when the choice lay between the two, there could be no room for hesitation. Pericles then pointed out that the evils which had overtaken the Athenians, however disastrous to individual citizens, left the strength of the city unimpaired. Their chances of victory were as good as ever. Their navy was still the greatest in the world; they were absolute masters of the sea; and not even the Great King could prevent their vessels from sailing wherever they chose. What was the loss of houses or lands to men who possessed such a power? So long as they preserved their freedom, they could quickly recover what had been lost; but if they became the servants of others, they would lose not freedom only, but all that freedom brings with it. Their ancestors had won a great empire, were they unable even to maintain it ? Far be such a disgrace from them! It was the possession of this great empire which made the position so critical. ” Do not imagine,” Pericles said, “that you are fighting for a simple issue, freedom or slavery. You have an empire to lose; you are exposed to the hatred into which your imperial policy has brought you. Your empire is a tyranny, which in the opinion of mankind has been unjustly acquired, and which you cannot safely surrender. It is too late to play the honest man ; and those who advise such a policy will bring the state to ruin.”
“No! we must hold on our way, and tread the path of glory. Our city has the greatest name in all the world because she has never yielded to misfortunes, but has sacrificed more lives and endured severer hardships in war than any other; wherefore also she has the greatest power of any state up to this day, and the memory of her glory will always survive. Even if we shall be compelled at last to abate somewhat of our greatness (for all things have their time of growth and decay) yet will the recollection live, that of all Hellenes, we ruled over the greatest number of Hellenic subjects, that we withstood our enemies whether single or united, in the most terrible wars, and that we were the inhabitants of a city endowed with every sort of wealth and greatness. The indolent may indeed find fault, but the man of action will seek to rival us, and he who is less fortunate will envy us. To be hateful and offensive has ever been at the time the fate of those who have aspired to empire. But he judges well who accepts unpopularity in a great cause. Hatred does not last long, and, besides the immediate splendor of great actions, the renown of them endures forever in men’s memories. Looking forward to such future glory and present avoidance of dishonor, make an effort now and secure both. Let no herald be sent to the Lacedaemonians, and do not let them know that you are depressed by your sufferings. For the greatest states and the greatest men, when misfortunes come, are the least depressed in spirit and the most resolute in action.”
Lord Acton stated, “Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely.” In reality, power reveals the corruption already within people. Pericles, when given a choice between enjoying peace as one of the leading city-states of a free Hellas, but without absolute power, or destructive war with the possibility of becoming the most powerful city-state with absolute power, he resolutely chose the latter.
27 Responses to “Peloponnesian War: Sparta & Corinth Align Against Athens”
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Richard Kroll Jr. said
Orrin, thank you for reminding us the IMPORTANT lessons that history can teach us so that we don’t have to repeat them!
I think one of the most powerful things the citizens of these incredible societies shared was a strong sense of “public virtue” (Public virtue means to voluntarily sacrifice personal benefit for the good of society.)
It seems that “public virtue” is all but missing today, especially in the United States.
Learning about public virtue through LIFE, and from your personal EXAMPLE, is literally transforming my life. As I place the benefit of others before my own many times benefits me even more than those I am sacrificing for.
I look forward to the day when, as a large, dedicated community of people, we can impact OUR culture through public virtue and the other important principles that LIFE teaches!
Justin Stevens said
So happy to be apart of such brave men in our journey for freedom like the Spartans.
Elaine Mallios said
So good Orrin. The Greek’s are a strong honor based society. So many perished in that war. The culture has given way to entitlement and corruption. Wasn’t that Bastiat’s Law?
Orrin Woodward said
You got it Elaine. Corruption comes when people look to exploit production from others. Well done. thanks, Orrin
jimmy varghese said
We are definitely fighting the 5 laws of decline in america. it’s going to be a tough fight… but with leaders like what the LIFE team produces, we will be victorious!
Elizabeth said
A community of loyal followers continually learning and striving to improve battling the 5 LDC. If anyone can do it, the LIFE community can. Keep Stroking!
J & P Harteis said
Thanks, once again, for your history lesson, Orrin! We know all too well that history does repeat itself, but if we are able to educate the willing with these lessons, perhaps we can hold back the inevitable! We appreciate everyone’s comments & learn from them all………….
Chris Miller said
Great post Orrin.
Todd Ashworth said
Orrin great blog entry on the state of our country and the history we are about to repeat, if we don’t have a courageous group of people to stand for freedom and make a difference. I love being in the battle with such wonderful people such as the Patriot Revolution and the entire Team/Life group.
Tim Samuels said
Awesome post Orrin, great insight into history.
Matt Mielke said
Thanks Orrin. I wonder if there is any correlation to a leaders arrogance and their study,or lack of study, of history. I wonder if the more humble the leader the more versed in history they are?
Orrin Woodward said
Matt, no doubt an intensive study of history, starting with Biblical history, would help people see fallen human nature is in all of us and keep us humble to never lead without partners (PC) to keep everyone on track. In a multitude of counselors, there is wisdom as Proverbs said. thanks, Orrin
Trevor Long said
Orrin your blog reminded me of a documentary called Agenda: Grinding America Down, which was encouraging people to take action, in this case against domestic ideologies. Sometimes that battle is more difficult to engage, then the foreign military wars you have been sharing with us.
Jim Martin said
wow Orrin so much of this lesson you talk about here is happening right now in America. We the people need to stop the 5 laws of decline by educating people with the right information. We can and will win this freedom shift we just need to get more people involved in spreading and learning the truth, we won’t let history repeat itself or we will die trying.
God Bless
Denny Suggitt said
Another great post Orrin ! Love the history lessons and looking forward to your next blog !
Thanks again for all you do !
Marc Militello said
Thanks Orrin! Awesome article!!!
Clint Fix said
I like the articles you’ve been posting lately. They really highlight our corrupt human nature. While we’re not going to change human nature, being aware of it can help us stymie the effects.
Jason Dames said
Orrin
You’re insight on history is so helpful and some how you explain things in such a way that makes it easy and fun to learn. Thank you for all of the research and study that u put in to make our lives more meaningful!!!
Tammy Darling said
“The dream is to build something that last through having fun, making money, and making a difference, one person at a time”. Can’t imagine doing anything else! 🙂 Thanks!
claude hamilton said
Orrin
Thats one of the things that attracted me to being in business with you. I love how you have amazing grace but you still stick to your principles. Appreciate everything you do for all of us!
Claude
Michael Hartmann said
An excellent study that was somehow overlooked in my many years of public education and a university degree. The thinking that is inspired by such a short, but powerful, historical lesson is fantastic. Thanks for sharing.
Chris Schill said
Awesome Orrin, thanks!!!
Angie Ballah said
Thank you Orrin! What a great lesson to bring to mind at this time in history!
Matt Ruhlman said
It’s funny I learned the same stuff in a college course that cost thousands from a very good teacher and it didn’t seem near as relevant. When the students ready the teacher will appear I suppose.
Randy Robson said
It’s great how Orrin Woodward, Chris Brady, and Claude Hamilton keep posting great articles!
Aron Radosa said
Great blog! “What was the loss of houses and land to men that possess such power?” Power of freedom. Worth the risk! Endure for the cause. Thanks!
Jennifer Spolar said
Wow great post orrin, I love how Evelyn put it “For the greatest states and the greatest men, when misfortunes come, are the least depressed in spirit and the most resolute in action.” Thanks for pointing us in the right direction yet again Orrin. I love being in business with you and all the other influential men and women in this team, who are all servant leaders and humble in their leadership teaching and helping others to grow, by example and action! It reminds me of the bible verse Matthew 7:16 By your fruits you will know them.