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Thus Spoke Hybris

Aesop, Fables 533 (from Babrius 70) (trans. Gibbs) (Greek fable C6th B.C.) : "The gods were getting married. One after another, they all got hitched, until finally it was time for Polemos (War) to draw his lot, the last of the bachelors. Hybris (Reckless Pride) became his wife, since she was the only one left without a husband. They say Polemos loved Hybris with such abandon that he still follows her everywhere she goes. So do not ever allow Hybris to come upon the nations or cities of mankind, smiling fondly at the crowds, because Polemos (War) will be coming right behind her." You are my enemy! I hate your guts! Why, you ask? My government said I should. "For what reasons for your loathing me?" What's the justification? - The common good! "Should I reciprocate?" Doesn't matter! My government said that you are a threat. "Your leaders are as 'mad as a hatter' and shouldn't attempt folly they'll regret." Preemptive measures are in store for you and there's nothing -Nada! to prevent it. "Arrogance has a price, this is our view. And you're overbearing prides and conceit will cost your country misery and dead. This, foe, is what my government has said."

Copyright © | Year Posted 2009




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Book: Reflection on the Important Things