Monday, April 09, 2007

How to Pacify the Natives

Here's an interesting little passage from Herodotus: (1:55.4)

As for the Lydians, forgive them -- but all the same, if you want to keep them loyal and to prevent any danger from them in future, I suggest that you put a veto upon their possession of arms. Make them wear tunics under their cloaks, and high boots, and tell them to teach their sons to play the zither and harp, and to start shopkeeping. If you do that, my lord, you will soon see them turn into women instead of men, and there will not be any more danger of them rebelling against you.

Wasn't England referred to as "a nation of shopkeepers"?

HT: Laudator Temporis Acti

1 comment:

Billiam said...

Nice. Of course, that's the Femminists goal here in the states. They're well on their way.