I'm for the Athenian way.

I'm not a Spartan. And I don't wanna be one. Because my impression is that a Spartan-like life is rather drab. And austere. That's my understanding from Greek history. That it was much better to be an Athenian. They lived more splendidly. And enjoyed the arts. And intellectual pursuits. The Spartans were warriors. They liked to go to war. And make masochistic sacrifices. Rather than lead what I consider the good, or Athenian way of life. I tell my dearest friend that I don't want her to live a Spartan life. She really doesn't. She's more an Athenian. Like me. But I want her to feel more Athenian every day. By enjoying the finer things in life. The fine arts. Intellectual matters. Lots of leisure. Travel. Comforts, if not luxuries. Could be that many poor people live Spartan lives. Because they have no choice. They can't afford anything else. That's why I'm for narrowing the gap between the rich and the poor. So everybody can live more like the ancient Athenians. --Jim Broede