02-20-2008, 11:38 PM
Quote:And those examples of Laconic speech would be the words of ephors? Kings? Generals?
I'm glad you wrote this because it reminded me of the main problem with using the attitude of a conscript army as a model. ALL Spartiates were Ephors- in the sense that they were all elidgable- and Spartans were not simply trained to be soldiers, but to be Generals, so all were that as well. Even the most humble Spartan would have aspired to this fashion- like the affected poverty and simple cloaks.
Quote:but to imagine they did not swear? Sorry, it would not be such a big deal
Its not swearing per se, the most famous spartan quote is a double -entendre. Molon Lave is appropriate to be said with one hand holding your crotch if you get my meaning. They surely loved such clever and brief turns of phrase. Have you ever read Plutarch's Spartan sayings? Not all are accurate, but they give the idea.
Paul M. Bardunias
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A Spartan, being asked a question, answered "No." And when the questioner said, "You lie," the Spartan said, "You see, then, that it is stupid of you to ask questions to which you already know the answer!"
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A Spartan, being asked a question, answered "No." And when the questioner said, "You lie," the Spartan said, "You see, then, that it is stupid of you to ask questions to which you already know the answer!"
