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

Ambidextrous: 10 Left-Handed Lessons

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 Weakness does not imply uselessness. The strong, dominant side needs the weaker, secondary side. Ask a musician. Or a lumberjack. I bow my cello with my dominant right hand, but it’s my weaker left that makes the music. My right hand can only play four “open” notes, but my weaker hand can play all the notes. I can split a log but need the left hand as a guide. Even a one-handed person requires balance, it just comes from somewhere else. What weaknesses need to be strengthened?

  1. Focus. Constantly review your “one thing” for the day. 
  2. Slow down.
  3. Respond, don’t react. 
  4. Listen before talking. Be of few words.
  5. Push, don’t be pulled.
  6. Get physically active, even if it’s yoga. 
  7. Stop looking back.
  8. Lead, don’t just work.
  9. Do a daily review. 
  10. Observe.

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