From Deseret News archives:
Ancient Greece offers modern-day lesson
Joe Cannon interviews Victor Davis Hanson (16MB .mp3 file)
Why Greece Matters Victor Davis Hanson lecture at Hellenic Cultural Center, Sept. 26, 2007
Ancient Greece matters vitally to us today because it laid the foundation for Western civilization. In Hanson's view, the modern West, built on the foundation put in place by the American founders, is really rooted in principles framed by the Greeks. The notions of individual and inalienable rights, private property, free market, civilian control over the military, religious tolerance and self-critique all had their origins in Greek thought. However imperfectly implemented, these ideas were thoroughly debated and first given concrete expression in ancient Greece.
An essential element of Greek thought is the idea of eternally expanding democracy and equality. This secular prophecy has become true. Born more than 25 centuries ago in a tiny spot in what is now southern Europe, and with no evidence of a prior civil society so organized, the democratic idea spread. Its spread was fitful and somewhat episodic. Sometimes going to ground for centuries. But the spark lit in ancient Greece burst into full flame with the American Revolution.
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Shelly (NOLA) | March 11, 2008 at 2:49 p.m.
Hey Mr Cannon,
If you're going to quote something from the...
MH | Oct. 2, 2007 at 7:48 a.m.
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