If You'll Be My Bodyguard: Simonides the Mercenary in Xenophon'sHieron
All of Xenophon's works contemplate the nature of leadership, but theHieronis unique in how rigorously it engages with the problem of the leader's self-interest. Hieron dwells on his personal finances and mistrust in the loyalty of others, which spoil his security and happiness. These prob...
| Publié dans: | Classical Journal, The. - Classical Association of the Middle West and South, Inc., 2013. - 113(2018), 4, Seite 385-410 |
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| Format: | Article en ligne |
| Publié: |
2018
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| Accès à la collection: | Classical Journal, The |
| Sujets: | Political science Arts Social sciences Behavioral sciences Philosophy Economics |
| Résumé: | All of Xenophon's works contemplate the nature of leadership, but theHieronis unique in how rigorously it engages with the problem of the leader's self-interest. Hieron dwells on his personal finances and mistrust in the loyalty of others, which spoil his security and happiness. These problems are exemplified and exacerbated by his reliance on a mercenary bodyguard. Xenophon's choice of Simonides as Hieron's interlocutor can be explained through Simonides' reputation for self-interest, parallel to that of the bodyguard and of Hieron himself. Simonides' traditional characterization as one who combined avarice with wisdom renders him a sympathetic and useful advisor. |
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| ISSN: | 00098353 |