The Sword of Damocles

A reminder that those with extreme wealth and power have everything but the peace to enjoy it.

406 BC-367 BC

Introduction

Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 BC) is the only classical writer to have passed onto us this memorable tale about the paradox of political power: that those who possess it have everything but the peace to enjoy it.

DIONYSIUS, lord of Syracuse, listened willingly enough as Damocles praised the king’s army, the splendour of his court, and the lavish hospitality of his table. But when the gushing courtier declared that Dionysius was the happiest of men, the king stopped him.

‘Would you like’ he asked ‘to experience for yourself this happiness in which I live each day?’ At once, he ordered a couch of gold and soft cushions for Damocles. Plates came from the kitchen, and cups from the cellars, and flowers from the gardens. Courteous and handsome servants awaited his command, and Damocles gazed all around this scene with unconcealed joy.

Then he noticed the ceiling.

There, directly over his head, he saw a heavy sword suspended from a single hair. In an instant, all else was wiped from his mind. All but that long, bright blade.

Presently, Damocles managed to whisper that he would like permission to move. It seemed he had no desire to be ‘happy’, after all.

Précis
When Dionysius, king of Syracuse, saw that Damocles imagined his lord was happy because he was rich, the tyrant gave him all kinds of luxuries, but added a twist: a sword hanging by a single hair right over him. Damocles understood that one cannot really enjoy something if you are constantly in fear that it will be taken away.
Sevens

Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.

Why did Damocles assume the king was happy?

Suggestion

Because he was surrounded by every luxury.

Jigsaws

Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.

A sword hung over Damocles. It was suspended by a hair. He could think of nothing else.

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