Lycurgus constitution
Philosophy is a study that tries to define and explain how people in a community should live wisely. In his "Life of Lycurgus", Plutarch wrote "...Lycurgus produced an inimitable constitution,... showing... the spectacle of an entire city acting like philosophers..." (Readings, p.185). Unlike other philosophers, Lycurgus' ideas were practical; his laws didn't just describe the proper way of living, but also put it to work. Using his constitution, Spartans became harmonious, developed feelings of honor, self-reliance, and self-control which the leader believed were the keys to living wisely. In addition such destructive force as individualism was replaced by a desire to serve the community. Lycurgus' first reform was an economic one. He started by redistributing the land. Since there was an immense gap between the poor and the wealthy people, he created equal incomes for all Spartans. Then, he devaluated gold and silver, making only iron currency legal. This action rid Spart
for orders, obeyed his commands, and endured his punishments, so that even in childhood they learned to obey" (Readings, p. The youngsters were taught how to read, write and speak to the point. Lycurgus went further to improve the state education. Lycurgus "thought that the principles of most importance for the prosperity and honor of the state would remain most securely fixed if implanted in the citizens by habit and training, as they would the be followed from choice rather than necessity" (Readings, p. Luxury became extinct and for the most part so did pride, envy and crime. Also he believed using services of others (servants) at dinner caused feelings of inequality and concentration on material good rather than nonmaterial one which Lycurgus advertised. Next, Lycurgus regulated marriages and childbirth. Lycurgus strengthened the women by making them exercise so that their offspring would grow up strong and healthy. The great ruler made girls and boys walk naked in the presence of the opposite sex, which produced modesty and taught them appreciation for healthy, strong, and beautiful bodies in addition to teaching importance of courage. The behavior of each group was observed and judged. To take away unnecessary desire for riches and luxury, Lycurgus introduced common dinning tables which provided just enough food for men not to be hungry.
Common topics in this essay:
Lycurgus Plutarch,
Taygetus Spartans,
,
living wisely,
gold silver,
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