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Politics and People after Persia

Politics and People after Persia. What did it take to be a politician in ancient Athens? What happens in the Greek world after the Persian Wars?. Herodotus. Three Intellectual Issues What is justice? Is it revenge? Who solves human problems? Polis replaces archaic world. Truth vs. Lies.

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Politics and People after Persia

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  1. Politics and People after Persia What did it take to be a politician in ancient Athens? What happens in the Greek world after the Persian Wars?

  2. Herodotus • Three Intellectual Issues • What is justice? Is it revenge? • Who solves human problems? • Polis replaces archaic world.

  3. Truth vs. Lies • “We know how to make lies sound like the truth.” • Plato – purpose of good storytelling – to be able to act on the truth embedded in the tale. • What might have happened vs. what really happened.

  4. Monumental History • Heroic figures, set speeches (Homer) • Greek citizen morality, citizen soldier, divine justice (rise and fall of prosperous states and people) Lyric poets • Stories have a staged feel (Greek drama)

  5. PENTECONTAETIA479-431 BCE • 445 BCE • Territorial rights • No soliciting • Arbitration

  6. The Trouble with Athens • Economy Expands • Permanent Military Presence • Aristocratic control of public business and economy is diluted

  7. Consequences • Athens appears as a threat to other nation-states (i.e., Sparta) • Political Prominence is no longer with just noble members of society

  8. Is Athenian Democracy Compatible with Running an Empire? • Delian League/Why Delos? • Allies(Thasos, Delos, Naxos) pay tribute • Plato’s thoughts on democracy

  9. Would the Athenians Have Elected Arnold? * Good looks * Wealth * Public speaking skills * Family connected with politics BUT . . . the completion of successful military campaigns & experience in the city’s affairs were also required

  10. What Else Do You Need? • Power Base • Influence in the Assemblies • Generational Continuity

  11. How did you campaign? • Benefactors • Monetary Aid • Material Gifts • Food Donations

  12. Pericles (b. 493) • Athens’ best and brightest (461-429 BCE) • Superstition • Military Experience • Public building program

  13. A plan of action • Prepare for the worst • 60 ship squadron • Citizenship opportunities • Conservation

  14. Cleon 430-422 • “Friendship weakens and perverts the right and just choice in life.” Plutarch on Cleon • City vs. Friendships • Spokesman for Lower Classes

  15. The Myth of the Self-Made Man • THE REALITY . . . • Different Class of Politician • Prosperous Empire • Educational Differences

  16. Cleon’s Reforms • Radical Speech • Entrepreneur • Philopolis • Superfluous Training • Politician-General

  17. Which Is Better? • Seasoned Military General OR Ambitious, Dynamic, Prosperous Entrepreneur? The Athenians are about to find out . . .

  18. Thucydides on Leadership • “A lack of education combined with solid common sense is more beneficial than the kind of smartness that gets out of hand . . . As a general rule states benefit more from rule by the man in the street than by intellectuals . . .” • Does someone like Jesse Ventura make a better leader?

  19. Plato’s Critical Viewpoint • . . . You can still see the imprint of the slave’s haircut in their minds as well as their heads . . .” • Upper class polish • Education

  20. Conclusions • New politicians promoted the following: • Equal representation for all • Citizen felt loyal to polis

  21. Schwarzenegger Moment of Zen • "It's the most difficult [decision] I've made in my entire life, except the one I made in 1978 when I decided to get a bikini wax." –announcing his gubernatorial candidacy on "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno" • "Don't worry about that." -on the environment • "I think that the only way that you really keep it a secret is by not telling anyone." –on his decision to run for governor of California

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