Finding Zebras In Greece
Complex patterns and underlying simplicity
All the fishermen had gone home. The lone old olive tree had stayed whilst observing the barren beach. This deserted countryside did not yet know that city slaves would rebel in the wake of this quiet scene. The tree resonated with the rhythmic cadence of the waves coming ashore - like the heartbeat of a simmering Greek afternoon. Luckily, Epicurus’ airy tunic provided welcome relief from the heat - half asleep, murmuring about his late-night bacchanal. A butterfly appeared from the olives tree flapping its wings it disturbed the peace. Landing on Epicurus’ nose, this slightest initial irritation would - over time - end up causing major disturbance in the harmonious Attica landscape.
Seated next to Epicurus was Pandemon, toying with a pebble he observed the butterfly that was about to wake up his friend. Shaping ideas in his hand like the sculptor who taught him. As soon as his partner started regaining consciousness, Pandemon prodded wanting to share: “Is it not divine to be relieved of physical labour of these slaves?” “What?!” Epicurus asked, still waking up and rubbing his eyes. Pandemon continued his idea unrelentingly: “The fishermen are back in the village now, but they must work all day. We are so fortunate that we can debate all day making our living with teaching oratory skills. We are as free as that butterfly that just woke landed on your nose. He pointed at it flying off in the sky.
Epicurus nodded but was more absorbed with the surroundings he so adored. For Epicurus, conquering space and physical daily work is rewarded by time spent with eternal pleasures. He thought that life is value are the structured days followed by wine-fuelled bacchanals engaging with friends and family combined with singing, dancing and good food. This is a taste of Elysium - the world to come.
“Slavery might give reassurance and regularity” Epicurus responded, whilst staring in the distance “Total freedom makes us strive less. I believe that man wants to be told what to do and engage in daily work to some extent. Some people have a tough time not working - it scares them even. Lets call it the “non-market-day scaries”. Some people must go to a marketplace to purchase items to fill their days.
TESTING THE PHILOSOPHY
After a while, a short-haired slave dressed in a plain loin cloth appeared on the beach. He provided a practical case on the perfect fresco laid out in front of the philosophers. Epicurus observed him for a while going about his business – setting up the ships. He sighed “Sometimes I wish I were a slave. Our democracy in the end is run by the select few after all. Life is more straightforward when you are a slave. Us philosophers need to entertain and continuously find new students. Once they grow up, serve the state, or go to war, our task is complete. Also, we are in the hands of the gods as much as slaves are to their worldly masters: our patrons can stop their favours anytime.”
Epicurus continued “I, like most people – I think- do not want total freedom[1]. Having left the comfortable existence of the mother’s womb, people crave for certainties and support structures. The masses like to be ruled by strong leaders, or other forms of order that allows them to not have to think too much. The fewer levels of freedom to think about - the easier life becomes. With fewer things to think about, you can also make fewer errors. “When you hear a dog’s bark do you think it is a horse with throat problems? Chances are that it is a dog.”
Pandemon, always up for a good debate rebutted: “True, simple solutions work best most of the time but not always. However, sometimes more complex things make sense. I heard at the Athens market that once a horse was brought over with these slaves from Egypt. It had black and white back with complex stripe patterns like a Tiger Horse called “Hippotigris”. Many wondered how they end up developing such unique patterns which is like other seemingly complex things that exist with tigers themselves. However, I am certain that their stripes and colouring is easily explained in the end. After all what looks difficult to explain on the surface often is easily explained when you know the underlying reasons.”
To prove the point, Pandemon, ever the eccentric rebel rouser, decided to call the statement to the test believing debates proven by practical observations “Let us debate this with the slave” he said whilst calling the slave over. Epicurus jumped up preferring harmony and sticking to his group of friends: “Please do not!, you do not want to cause ire to the gods and debate engaging with slave!” Pandemon however shrugged off his friend’s concerns – coming from the school of Socrates he persisted and called the slave.
The slave came over, sweating profusely, his loincloth clearly needed a wash. Greeting Pandemon he wondered what the man wanted from him. Pandemon was ever the egalitarian “Can you tell us where you are from and what is your name is?” The slave smiled proudly “They call me ‘Xene’ from the house of Vasilis who was also a master to my father.” Pandemon nodded and with seriousness commenced “I have two simple questions for you: We want to know if you prefer to be free and if so, what would you do with your time of the day?” Xene, a bit stupefied by the question had probably never entertained the deep thought “I am happy being a slave. Vasilis treats me well. Other slaves that I know of have bad masters. Also, what should I do if not work in my master’s household?”
Epicurus turning to his sparring partner “You see Pandemon, not all want freedom at all” he said talking about the slave like he was not present. “There is no reason to assume that people want freedom - its complexity scares them.” However, standing in front of them Xene listened setting in motion thoughts. Sowing the seed of doubt as it dawned on him there was such a thing as freedom. The seed of the rebellion and a better, fuller life had been planted. Was freedom, however scary, superior to living life as a slave?
[1] Erich Fromm – Escape from Freedom