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

10 Ways To Bust Writer’s Block

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  1. Get all your writing gear together.
  2. Find a comfortable writing spot.
  3. Put pen to paper and start writing.
  4. Write anything that comes to mind even if it’s nonsensical or gibberish later on. Your goal is to write, not edit. 
  5. Use creative writing exercises like top 10 lists, or writing only questions.
  6. As you write, look for themes, and focus on those. If more than one come to the surface make note of them and come back to them later.
  7. Write for you and you alone. 
  8. Take a reader on a virtual tour of what’s around you. Be as descriptive as possible.
  9. Write a letter to someone.
  10. Write about your day but instead of using “I” or “me”, write using “you” as if someone else were telling you what was going on. Example: “You could tell she was a Karen before she placed her coffee order but you already made up your mind that you were going to make her day.”

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