Athens and Sparta were gearing up to fight once again.
It was the year 380, only two decades after they had fought the bloodiest war in their history. But how often do wars really settle things?
However, the Olympic Games were scheduled to run that summer. What did the cities choose to do? Did Sparta use her clout in the region to get Athenian athletes banned from the games? Did Athenians boycott the event in protest of Sparta’s unprovoked aggression?
No, like all the other Greek cities who participated, they proclaimed a (short) truce, put aside their states’ (many) differences, and attended the greatest show on earth.
As the Greek philosopher Isocrates wrote, around this time,
The founders of our festivals are justly praised for handing down to us a custom by which, having proclaimed a truce and loosening our standing quarrels, we come together in one place, where, as we make our prayers and sacrifices in common, we are reminded of the kinship which exists among us and are made to feel more kindly towards each other for the future, reviving our old friendships and establishing new ties.
The Greeks at that time were not politically united. You might think, during a war, that their most important goal would be to undermine and defeat their enemies at all costs.
But this was a situation where higher values came into play: a common culture, a common religion, common institutions and rituals, common games.
After a war, there is peace. After a family feud, there is harmony. After intense market competition, there is an acquisition, a merger. Brothers fight bitterly. Then they split a pizza.
We need these peacemaking institutions: public parades, trade shows, church services, standing date nights. Without them, bitterness, resentment, fear, and panic boil over, and make us insane. Then we don’t perform at our best.
Now and then, we need to talk to our enemies like fellow humans – even if it’s just a temporary truce, and we see no real prospect of peace. Talking may be just what we need to bring us to realize peace is possible, that we can find other ways to “win”.
Enjoy the holidays while you can.
Wishing you and yours the best,
Alex