"Not houses finely roofed or the stones of walls well builded, nay nor canals and dockyards make the city, but men able to use their opportunity"
- Alcaeus
About this Quote
This quote by the ancient Greek lyric poet Alcaeus speaks exceptionally about the essence of what really makes a city or society grow. In the beginning glimpse, the quote dismisses the significance of product accomplishments-- such as finely roofed homes, well-constructed walls, canals, and dockyards-- which are normally seen as indications of a thriving city. These are the concrete outputs of city development and infrastructural development. Nevertheless, Alcaeus moves the focus from these physical signs of civilization to emphasize the crucial role of the people within it.
The central message encapsulated in this statement is that the true wealth, strength, and success of a city depend on its inhabitants. More particularly, it is not just the presence of people that matters, however rather the capabilities, knowledge, and decision-making abilities of people who can acknowledge and seize opportunities. This aligns with a frequent style in philosophy and political theory: No matter how remarkable a city's external appearance or infrastructure may be, it is the human capital-- intelligent, ingenious, and adaptable people-- that ultimately defines its real greatness.
Alcaeus, through his words, suggests that a city's progress and prosperity are sustainable only when its people are empowered, informed, and given the freedom to act effectively upon opportunities that emerge. Skills, resourcefulness, and the ability to adjust to changing situations are viewed as the undetectable yet essential forces that drive societal wellness and growth. This perspective encourages a focus on developing human possible and nurturing a society where individuals can flourish intellectually and ethically, thereby adding to the greater good of the neighborhood.
In essence, Alcaeus's quote goes beyond the literal and urges readers to ponder the indispensable role of human company and the collective human spirit in constructing a growing community. It functions as a classic reminder for modern societies to focus on buying their people as much as, if not more than, their physical facilities.
"The opportunity to create a small world between two pieces of cardboard, where time exists yet stands still, where people talk and I tell them what to say, is exciting and rewarding"
"One has children in the expectation of dying before them. In fact, you want to make damn sure you die before them, just as you plant a tree or build a house knowing, hoping that it will outlive you. That's how the human species has done as well as it has"
