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Refer to the Melian dialogue: "the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must". Referring to atrocities committed by a dying empire two thousan
by kafkaesq 10y ago
Refer to the Melian dialogue: "the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must".
Referring to atrocities committed by a dying empire two thousand years ago (recall that the occupation of Melos was eventually repulsed; and Classical Athens itself would ultimately collapse shortly thereafter, as a direct result of its unsustainable military expansion) doesn't seem very helpful in deciding public policy.
- jimmywanger 10y agoI guess you missed the main point of the quote. If you have power, and your opponents only have the moral high ground, your opponents will lose. According to the historical sources (on wikipedia), the Athenians executed all the adult males, and took everybody else into slavery. Much like the situation of the Ukraine. Russia decided it wanted a warm water port, and then took it. Nobody else said anything.