| rt --> | | | | greatness, and went on to dominate the Greek world. |
| In a decorative sense, the word "Spartan" means | | | | However, that dominance came to an end, and |
| austere, frugal, or simple. It is derived from the name of | | | | eventually, the Spartan society disappeared. In this truth |
| an ancient city in Greece whose people were single | | | | of history we get the second half of the lesson we |
| mindedly devoted to the pursuit of one thing, | | | | can learn from the Spartans. |
| excellence. In ancient Greece excellence could pertain | | | | The Spartans fell from their heights of power because |
| to any number of skills such as athletics, art, or | | | | of two major problems, a lack of people, and an |
| philosophy, however in Sparta the lens of scrutiny was | | | | inability to change with the times. |
| most heavily focused on military ability. | | | | Sparta was so focused on military perfection, that |
| In a state where the only worthy goal was an | | | | they neglected many of the other important things in |
| improvement of ones own perfection, creature | | | | life. Family, art, culture, recreation, all of these pursuits |
| comforts were largely ignored. Most people thought | | | | were largely ignored in their society. Music and the arts |
| that they were a waste of valuable time and focus. | | | | were taught, but secondary to war and politics. |
| They were a people that believed in simplicity, and | | | | Athletics were appreciated, but largely for the military |
| modesty, and the power it had to strengthen the | | | | benefits. |
| determination of their citizens. | | | | Such a society isolated itself in history. Unable to |
| The pursuit of excellence is not something that is | | | | understand changing times, refusing to let others be a |
| considered very often these days. We are all looking | | | | part of who they were and what they were to |
| for money and fame and the things that they bring, but | | | | become, they slowly became extinct. By the time |
| nobody wants anything more. We are in such constant | | | | Aristotle was writing, there were less than 1000 |
| pursuit of frivolous possessions that we forget what | | | | Spartans left. |
| the real goal should be. Or maybe we have forgotten | | | | Excellence and the pursuit of our own perfection is |
| what it can be; our own greatness. | | | | one of the most important things in life. It is our |
| That is why the Spartans decorated their homes | | | | responsibility to get better every single day. However |
| sparsely. Their possessions were severe and | | | | we have other responsibilities which are also important, |
| functional. Their minds were focused, unclouded by | | | | such as enriching our mind, connecting with the people |
| any thoughts save the necessary. In this fiercely | | | | around us, and learning new things. |
| determined way, they achieved a level of true | | | | |