Introduction
In about 594-593 BC, Solon was tasked with ending civil strife in Athens. He abolished serfdom, placing the poor on a secure footing against wealthy oppressors. He facilitated inter-city trade and welcomed immigrant craftsmen, revitalising the economy. Finally, he overhauled the constitution, revoking the infamous laws of Draco and establishing a legacy that became the patrimony of classical Athens. Diogenes Laertius, writing in the early AD 200s, looked back on Solon’s career.
He seems to have enacted some admirable laws; for instance, if any man neglects to provide for his parents, he shall be disfranchised; moreover there is a similar penalty for the spendthrift who runs through his patrimony. Again, not to have a settled occupation is made a crime for which any one may, if he pleases, impeach the offender.
One of his sayings is: Speech is the mirror of action; and another that the strongest and most capable is king. He compared laws to spiders’ webs, which stand firm when any light and yielding object falls upon them, while a larger thing breaks through them and makes off.* Secrecy he called the seal of speech, and occasion the seal of secrecy. He used to say that those who had influence with tyrants were like the pebbles employed in calculations; for, as each of the pebbles represented now a large and now a small number, so the tyrants would treat each one of those about them at one time as great and famous, at another as of no account.
* A similar metaphor was used by US President John Adams: see A Moral and Religious People.
Précis
Diogenes Laertius, the third-century historian, summarised the recorded words of Solon, who governed Athens in the early sixth century BC. He noted first Solon’s concern for the duties of children to their parents. Solon also warned that legislation could barely restrain the rich and powerful, and reminded the lackeys of dictators that their favoured position had no security. (58 / 60 words)
Diogenes Laertius, the third-century historian, summarised the recorded words of Solon, who governed Athens in the early sixth century BC. He noted first Solon’s concern for the duties of children to their parents. Solon also warned that legislation could barely restrain the rich and powerful, and reminded the lackeys of dictators that their favoured position had no security.
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Variations: 1.increase the length of this precis to exactly 65 words. 2.reduce the length of this precis to exactly 55 words. 3.introduce one of the following words into the precis: about, despite, must, not, or, ought, since, whereas.
Word Games
Sevens Based on this passage
Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.
What laws did Solon enact regarding parents?
Suggestion
He required children to provide for them. (7 words)
Variations: 1.expand your answer to exactly fourteen words. 2.expand your answer further, to exactly twenty-one words. 3.include one of the following words in your answer: if, but, despite, because, (al)though, unless.