The Education of Cyrus, Xenophon (trans. Wayne Ambler, Cornell University Press, 2001). It is easier, given his nature, for a human being to rule all the other kinds of animals than to rule human beings. But when we reflected that there was Cyrus, a Persian, who acquired very many people, very many cities, and very many nations, all obedient to himself, we were thus compelled to change our mind to the view that ruling human beings does not belong among those tasks that are impossible… We know that Cyrus, at any rate, was willingly obeyed by some, even though they were distant from him by a journey of many days; by others, distant by a journey even of months; by others, who had never yet seen him; and by others, who knew quite well that they would never see him. Nevertheless, they were willing to submit to him.
Appropriately enough, Water Margin was adapted (very loosely) into a JRPG series, Suidoken(by Japanese company Konami, so I assume "Suiodken" is the romanization of the Japanese rendering of a Chinese title). And you recruit a huge cast in each game.
However, I am confused on one point. You describe a conversation on how to rule between Cyrus and "his father Astyages", but Astyages is his grandfather, and Cambyses I his father, no? I checked the Henry Graham Dakyns translation and the conversation appears to be with Cambyses I.
Re. discerning between solvable and unsolvable problems reminds me of the no-win "Kobayashi Maru" scenario from the 1982 film, "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan". Designed to unveil a leader's true character--how he would react in the face of certain death, it cribbed a rather obvious page from the Garden of Gethsemane, Christ's willing submission to His Father's will in crucifixion to save sinners, and the martyrdom of His people (Christians) down through the ages.
ST's atheistic creator, Gene Rodenberry (d.1991), would surely never admit such a link, but with Cyrus, whom Isaiah prophesied long before his birth, the comparison strikes a lot closer to the truth.
Regarding the ruling class being Spartan, this has disappointingly infected the European upper-managerial class as well; when I was an office whipping boy, I looked forward in glee to the days when I, too, could go for cigars and martinis in the City and call it work, but by the time I got there the culture was coffee and marathon training. I remain incredibly disappointed, albeit I must admit the dullness and grind of long distance running is a natural match for the dullness and grind of corporate life.
Appropriately enough, Water Margin was adapted (very loosely) into a JRPG series, Suidoken(by Japanese company Konami, so I assume "Suiodken" is the romanization of the Japanese rendering of a Chinese title). And you recruit a huge cast in each game.
Excellent review.
Read The Anabasis next! https://lawliberty.org/book-review/the-socratic-statesman/
Thanks for the review.
However, I am confused on one point. You describe a conversation on how to rule between Cyrus and "his father Astyages", but Astyages is his grandfather, and Cambyses I his father, no? I checked the Henry Graham Dakyns translation and the conversation appears to be with Cambyses I.
Welcome back! And congrats as well.
I've typically slightly preferred Mrs. Psmith's reviews to yours (because of the subject matter) but this is a banger. Nice work.
Re. discerning between solvable and unsolvable problems reminds me of the no-win "Kobayashi Maru" scenario from the 1982 film, "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan". Designed to unveil a leader's true character--how he would react in the face of certain death, it cribbed a rather obvious page from the Garden of Gethsemane, Christ's willing submission to His Father's will in crucifixion to save sinners, and the martyrdom of His people (Christians) down through the ages.
ST's atheistic creator, Gene Rodenberry (d.1991), would surely never admit such a link, but with Cyrus, whom Isaiah prophesied long before his birth, the comparison strikes a lot closer to the truth.
Regarding the ruling class being Spartan, this has disappointingly infected the European upper-managerial class as well; when I was an office whipping boy, I looked forward in glee to the days when I, too, could go for cigars and martinis in the City and call it work, but by the time I got there the culture was coffee and marathon training. I remain incredibly disappointed, albeit I must admit the dullness and grind of long distance running is a natural match for the dullness and grind of corporate life.
One of the best reviews you’ve done! A great read
You and Scott Alexander both reviewed this book within a week of each other?