Pericles led Athens during its golden age in the 5th century BC.
He invested heavily in infrastructure – the Parthenon, temples, public buildings that still stand today. He expanded democracy and turned Athens into a cultural center that attracted philosophers, artists, and thinkers from across Greece.
But what struck me most about Pericles was his inspiration from Athena – the goddess of wisdom and strategy.
He espoused a brand of politics built on rationality, thoughtfulness, and strategic thinking. Not rhetoric and appeals to base emotions.
This even showed up in his style as a public speaker – he shunned drama for a more quiet and thoughtful style.
As he became a marginal figure toward his passing, Greece ended up in wars against Sparta that drove them toward ruin. They made wagers driven by emotions that were the antithesis of the decision-making Pericles had championed.
He was clearly so far ahead of his time in his approach.
It got me thinking about the habits needed to periodically channel our inner Athena – stepping back to make decisions rationally – are critical.
Especially in a world designed to trigger our base instincts at every turn.
A Learning a Day 