Words & sentences

Socrates was a talker. Such an accomplished one that his accusers warned listeners to be careful and avoid being deceived by him.

When Agamemnon troops were besieged by Hector’s, fearing defeat, he sent a delegation to talk to Achilles and try to convince him to forget his qualms with the king and join the Achaeans against Troy. The son of Thetis refused, giving instead one of the sharpest descriptions ever written on the reasons behind any ruler decision to go to war, where personal enrichment and gathering of power topple any fair treatment to those that fight by his side. The members of the delegation, which included Agamemnon’s top generals decided to leave, understanding how imposible would be to change Achilles’ mind. However, one among them, who happened to be the elder that raised the young Pelides, teaching him everything he knows, embarked on a long appeal where, combining historical references with reminders of their long personal relationships, makes Achilles doubt his steadfast position. “Do not confuse me with word old friend,” was Achilles cry.

Words, incapable to turn the power of a legal system decided to execute the inconvenient and silence probably the most profound voice of its time. Today, very few would be able to name the members of the court that made and carry such a decision. Socrates however, at a distance of 23 centuries would have a much harder time finding someone who has not heard his name.

Sentences, that in a lawless time of war were capable to plant the doubt in Achilles mind about his reluctance to enter the battle, most possibly the initial seed that later germinate in a change of heart that determined the course of history.