Xenophon
Xenophon
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Xenophon's full name was Sokrates son of Agariste ( Greek: Ξενοφῶν Σωκράτης οἱ Ἀγαρίστεος). He is commonly known as Xenophon, which means "foreigner" or "stranger" in Greek.
Birth and Death Dates
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Xenophon was born around 430 BCE in Athens, Greece. Unfortunately, the exact date of his birth and death are not certain. However, it is believed that he died between 354 and 350 BCE.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Xenophon was a Greek historian, philosopher, and soldier. He was a native Athenian but spent much of his life in exile due to his involvement with the Spartans during the Peloponnesian War.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in Athens, Xenophon came from a wealthy family. His father, Agariste, was a member of the noble Alcmaeonidae clan, which had close ties to the Athenian aristocracy. As a young man, Xenophon showed great interest in philosophy, particularly under the tutelage of Socrates.
Major Accomplishments
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Xenophon's life can be divided into two distinct periods: his military campaigns and his literary career. In 401 BCE, he joined Cyrus the Younger's expedition to conquer Babylon but was forced to flee after Cyrus' death in battle. Xenophon then led a group of Greek mercenaries back to Greece through treacherous terrain.
During this journey, which lasted several years, Xenophon demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic thinking. He played a key role in leading his men out of Asia Minor and eventually back to Athens. This remarkable feat earned him the respect and admiration of many Greeks.
Notable Works or Actions
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Xenophon's literary career began with his _Anabasis_ (Greek for "upward march"), an account of his journey with Cyrus' army. The work is considered one of the greatest adventure stories in literature and provides valuable insights into ancient Greek culture, politics, and warfare.
Other notable works include:
The Hellenica: a continuation of Thucydides' _History of the Peloponnesian War_
The Agesilaus: a biography of King Agesilaus II of Sparta
The Memorabilia: a collection of Socratic dialoguesImpact and Legacy
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Xenophon's writings had significant impact on Western literature and thought. His descriptions of the natural world, politics, and human nature continue to fascinate readers today.
Moreover, his experiences as a soldier and statesman made him an expert in strategy and leadership. Xenophon's ideas about the importance of discipline, loyalty, and effective communication remain relevant in modern times.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Xenophon is widely quoted or remembered for several reasons:
Influence on Western Literature: His works have shaped the way people think about politics, philosophy, and history.
Military Leadership: His experiences as a soldier and leader have made him an authority on strategy and tactics.
Enduring Ideas: His ideas about human nature, morality, and governance remain relevant in contemporary debates.
In conclusion, Xenophon was a remarkable figure who left a lasting impact on Western culture. His writings continue to inspire readers today, offering insights into the past while providing valuable lessons for the present.
Quotes by Xenophon
You see that even the enemy did not dare to declare war against us till they had seized our generals, for they were sensible that, while we had commanders and yielded obedience to them, we were able to conquer them; but, having seized our commanders, they concluded that we should, from a want of command and discipline, be destroyed.
Menon the Thessalian did not either conceal his immoderate desire of riches or his desire of commanding, in order to increase them, or of being esteemed for the same reason. He desired to be well with those in power, that his injustice might escape punishment.
All the children of the great men in Persia are brought up at court, where they have an opportunity of learning great modesty, and where nothing immodest is ever heard or seen.
You know that neither numbers nor strength give the victory, but that side which, with the assistance of the gods, attacks with the greatest resolution is generally irresistible.
For myself, I think that those who cultivate wisdom and believe themselves able to instruct their fellow-citizens as to their interests are least likely to become partisans of violence. They are too well aware that to violence attach enmities and dangers, whereas results as good may be obtained by persuasion safely and amicably.
A Persian army being then subject to great inconveniences, for their horses are tied and generally shackled to prevent them from running away, and if an alarm happens, a Persian has the housing to fix, his horse to bridle, and his corslet to put on before he can mount.
Socrates gave a lifetime to the outpouring of his substance in the shape of the greatest benefits bestowed on all who cared to receive them. In other words, he made those who lived in his society better men and sent them on their way rejoicing.
We are all sensible that the king and Tisaphernes have caused as many of us as they could to be apprehended, and it is plain they design, by the same treacherous means, if they can, to destroy the rest.
Cyrus was observed to have more docility than any of his years and to show more submission to those of an advanced age than any other children, though of a condition inferior to his own.
You see, O Greeks! The enemy already acknowledge the country to be ours; for when they made peace with us, they stipulated that we should not burn the country belonging to the king, and now they set fire to it themselves, as if they looked upon it no longer as their own.