The Lives of Plutarch - Pericles
Pericles was a truly remarkable man. He lived in Athens, Greece, about the time of the Peloponnesian Wars. From his rise to power, to his last breath, one thing separated Pericles from other rulers; this was the virtue of self-sacrifice. As Lord Acton once said: “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men." Let’s look at a timeline of Pericles’ life to see how, even though he had ultimate charge over Athens, he always used his influence for the good of his city, not himself.
Pericles first exposed himself to the world of politics by making friends with the poorer class. He found that Thucydides, another orator, had already gained the confidence of the richer class.
Although he was certainly a good friend of the people, Pericles did have some enemies. One day, while he was handling some business in the market, a certain old man began hurtling curses at him, finding every way to destroy his political position. This man followed Pericles around ALL DAY, never stopping to take a breath! He even followed Pericles home! However, instead of squabbling with him, Pericles simply ignored him for ALL OF THE DAY! And to make matters even stranger, Pericles sent a servant back with the old man when it became dark and hard to see so that he could lead him home! This is a glorious example of the kindness and level-headedness that Pericles showed to those around him.
After he had ostracized Thucydides and Cimon, yet another orator, Pericles changed his ruling methods. Instead of being so free with his money, and instead of forming intimate relationships with the people (namely the poor) he rather secluded himself. He never walked the streets like he once had, and his friends and servants tended to most of his minor business. He also restricted the amount of parties that took place, and was great deal more serious than he once had been.
Even though at first these changes might seem cruel and harsh, there were some advantages to Pericles’ new method. To keep the people entertained and happy, he began to enlarge the empire, He would then send off Athenians to populate the new islands and cities. He also brought back to life the Athenian ships and marine.
As we all know, with the conquering of a city comes the gain of much money, Athens was no exception. Riches and precious metals were practically duping into Athens. Instead of using this money for his own good, Pericles used it to beautify his city. He had many famous structures built, some of which we still admire today. One the things that Pericles is most famous for is what he did to beautify Athens. Pericles considered Athens to be in its golden age, so he did all he could to make a beautiful age.
Unfortunately, it seems that growing tension between Athens and Sparta was only made worse by these expeditions, primarily because all the cities that Athens was conquering, had once been part of the Spartan Empire. After multiple revolts and rebellions, what we call the Peloponnesian War began.
There were many battles and rebellions, all of which ended in the blockading of Athens. Yes, the Spartans actually succeeded in driving the Athenians all the way back to their capital. Eventually, from lack of food and water, overcrowded areas, and a lack of necessary supplies, the Athenians developed the dreaded Black Plague.
This disease spread like wildfire, destroying anyone in its way.
Pericles himself walked the streets of Athens, trying to heal and comfort anyone he met.
Eventually, this great man caught the Plague, and, like so many others, was unable to survive.
While he could have shut himself up in his home, and saved all of the food and water there was from himself, Pericles graciously gave his time, money, and provisions to the Athenians, not saving any for himself.
Can you see how merciful, giving, and wise Pericles was? His last moments were spent caring for his people.
It is truly a joy to read of leaders who are wise, kind, and thoughtful, I hope that I will read of more people like Pericles, and learn to lead like he does, even if that means just leading my family.
Pericles was a truly remarkable man. He lived in Athens, Greece, about the time of the Peloponnesian Wars. From his rise to power, to his last breath, one thing separated Pericles from other rulers; this was the virtue of self-sacrifice. As Lord Acton once said: “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men." Let’s look at a timeline of Pericles’ life to see how, even though he had ultimate charge over Athens, he always used his influence for the good of his city, not himself.
Pericles first exposed himself to the world of politics by making friends with the poorer class. He found that Thucydides, another orator, had already gained the confidence of the richer class.
Although he was certainly a good friend of the people, Pericles did have some enemies. One day, while he was handling some business in the market, a certain old man began hurtling curses at him, finding every way to destroy his political position. This man followed Pericles around ALL DAY, never stopping to take a breath! He even followed Pericles home! However, instead of squabbling with him, Pericles simply ignored him for ALL OF THE DAY! And to make matters even stranger, Pericles sent a servant back with the old man when it became dark and hard to see so that he could lead him home! This is a glorious example of the kindness and level-headedness that Pericles showed to those around him.
After he had ostracized Thucydides and Cimon, yet another orator, Pericles changed his ruling methods. Instead of being so free with his money, and instead of forming intimate relationships with the people (namely the poor) he rather secluded himself. He never walked the streets like he once had, and his friends and servants tended to most of his minor business. He also restricted the amount of parties that took place, and was great deal more serious than he once had been.
Even though at first these changes might seem cruel and harsh, there were some advantages to Pericles’ new method. To keep the people entertained and happy, he began to enlarge the empire, He would then send off Athenians to populate the new islands and cities. He also brought back to life the Athenian ships and marine.
As we all know, with the conquering of a city comes the gain of much money, Athens was no exception. Riches and precious metals were practically duping into Athens. Instead of using this money for his own good, Pericles used it to beautify his city. He had many famous structures built, some of which we still admire today. One the things that Pericles is most famous for is what he did to beautify Athens. Pericles considered Athens to be in its golden age, so he did all he could to make a beautiful age.
Unfortunately, it seems that growing tension between Athens and Sparta was only made worse by these expeditions, primarily because all the cities that Athens was conquering, had once been part of the Spartan Empire. After multiple revolts and rebellions, what we call the Peloponnesian War began.
There were many battles and rebellions, all of which ended in the blockading of Athens. Yes, the Spartans actually succeeded in driving the Athenians all the way back to their capital. Eventually, from lack of food and water, overcrowded areas, and a lack of necessary supplies, the Athenians developed the dreaded Black Plague.
This disease spread like wildfire, destroying anyone in its way.
Pericles himself walked the streets of Athens, trying to heal and comfort anyone he met.
Eventually, this great man caught the Plague, and, like so many others, was unable to survive.
While he could have shut himself up in his home, and saved all of the food and water there was from himself, Pericles graciously gave his time, money, and provisions to the Athenians, not saving any for himself.
Can you see how merciful, giving, and wise Pericles was? His last moments were spent caring for his people.
It is truly a joy to read of leaders who are wise, kind, and thoughtful, I hope that I will read of more people like Pericles, and learn to lead like he does, even if that means just leading my family.
