“Cyclops, if any mortal man ever asks you who it was that inflicted upon your eye this shameful blinding, tell him that you were blinded by Odysseus, sacker of cities. Laertes is his father, and he makes his home in Ithaka.” These words are shouted to Polyphemus by Odysseus, as he and his men sail away from the man-eating giant’s island. It is one of the most memorable scenes from one of the most memorable stories in Homer’s Odyssey. It is also an example of timeless wisdom from the ancient Greek and Roman stories - the wisdom that speaks of the consequences of hubris, excessive pride.

The ancient stories are filled with countless examples of timeless wisdom. We’ve gathered 18 examples from Homer’s Odyssey and named them “The 18 Themes of Timeless Wisdom.” They are called “themes” rather than principles or rules - because they are meant to be discussed and debated. That these themes from ancient literature can be discussed in the context of today’s culture - from business to politics to sports - is what makes them timeless.

The 18 Themes of Timeless Wisdom

1~Think carefully about what you’re pursuing … and how you’re pursuing it.
2~There is a right and a wrong time for modesty, but never a good
time for hubris. 3~Fear less. 4~Leaders need strategies. 5~Stay awake or
you may pay dearly. 6~ Use power to empower. 7~ Honor the guest-host relationship. 8~ Do not be fooled by disguises, beggars can be heroes.
9~Treat all people with dignity 10~ Accept the guidance of wise women and
the advice of wise men. 11~Honor solemn oaths. 12~Realize the potential
for enemies to become friends. 13~Maintain your vision, even in the face of temptation and despair. 14~When between a rock and a hard place,
select the path that minimizes loss. 15~When in doubt, test
before acting. 16~Take personal responsibility for your actions. 17~You’re
not home, until you’re home. 18~There comes a time when the
fighting must stop.

© 2006 TellmeOmuse LLC