Preserving The Spartan Way

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  This reading in Plutarch’s “Lives Of The Noble Grecians and Romans” covered chapters 51-55, comparing two Greek-Spartan leaders, who reflected Plato’s political ideal, with two Roman leaders, who reflected Aristotle’s political ideal. Chapters 51 and 52 introduce us to the Spartan kings, Agis and Cleomenes.  Sparta was in danger losing their Spartan ways, embracing luxury over discipline. Agis proposed to return people and country to their heritage by proposing a cancellation of all debt and redistribution the land of the wealthy to citizens “who were fit for service as able-bodied soldiers.” Opposition was instant as the rich dug in their heels against losing power and status. Ultimately, Agis was killed by the rich under the leadership of his half-brother, Leonidas.  After Leonidas died with his “300” in the last day of the Battle of Thermopylae, his son, Cleomenes, rose to power. Observing the deepening apathy and laziness of Sparta, Cleomenes grew curious about Agis’ model of gov

An Original Poem


In the stain glass village by the stain glass sea;

Up the stain glass steps beyond the stain glass tree, 

The stain glass stoa by the stain glass tower

Under stain glass sky with a stain glass glour, 

Glistens in the gloaming for a stain glass hour.


The stain glass fishers from the stain glass shore

And the stain glass merchant from his stain glass store

With the stain glass cobbler wearing stain glass shoes

in the stain glass pub gossip stain glass news.

When the stain glass sun sets in a low’ring creep, 

The stain glass village nestles for a stain glass sleep.

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