Hiero by Xenophon

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About this eBook

Author Xenophon, 432 BCE-351? BCE
Translator Dakyns, Henry Graham, 1838-1911
Title Hiero
Credits Produced by John Bickers, and David Widger
Summary "Hiero by Xenophon" is an imagined dialogue that falls under the category of philosophical discourse, specifically concerning political theory and ethics. Written in the late 5th century BC, the book features a conversation between Simonides, a notable poet, and Hieron, the tyrant of Syracuse. The primary topic of the text is an exploration of the nature of tyranny and the contrasting experiences of a despot versus an ordinary citizen, particularly in terms of happiness, pleasure, and societal relationships. In this dialogue, Hieron expresses his belief that the life of a tyrant is filled with more pain and fewer pleasures compared to that of ordinary people, a surprising assertion given the common misconceptions about the life of a ruler. The conversation elaborates on various sources of joy and sorrow, including friendship, trust, the burdens of political power, and the constant threat of betrayal. Simonides challenges Hieron's perspective by asserting that a ruler’s status should bring greater gratitude and affection from subjects, to which Hieron counters that his tyranny breeds fear rather than genuine respect. Ultimately, the text reflects on the complexities and contradictions of despotic rule, leading to a deeper understanding of what it truly means to lead and how personal connections are fundamentally altered by the nature of power. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class PA: Language and Literatures: Classical Languages and Literature
Subject Classical literature
Subject Hieron I, Tyrant of Syracuse, -467 B.C. or 466 B.C.
Subject Simonides, approximately 556 B.C.-467 B.C.
Subject Dialogues, Greek -- Translations into English
Subject Despotism -- Early works to 1800
Subject Syracuse (Italy) -- Politics and government -- Early works to 1800
Category Text
EBook-No. 1175
Release Date
Most Recently Updated Jan 16, 2013
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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