Thucydides is world famous for his account of the Peloponnesian War and his analysis of the relations between city-states is today the basis of the realist school of International Relations. Once at school we were taught in detail the Epitaph of Pericles, a hymn to democracy and the country, which Thucydides recorded. The Epitaph is taught to students all over the world. I hope that his correct teaching will be restored in Greece.
Konstantinos Holevas (Political Scientist) writes
SOURCE:SUNDAY REPUBLIC
Alimusios (from today's Kalamaki) general, historian and political analyst has already since the 5th century BC. predict the importance of the population factor as an element of a country's power. Today, the debate on the demographic problem returns, and I consider it appropriate to recall the remarks of Thucydides on this issue.
Without overlooking the importance of qualitative and moral parameters, Thucydides emphasizes the value of population power. In B, 44 of his Histories he writes:"Andres gar polis kai och teichi nor nes andras kenai". According to the translation of Eleftherios Venizelos:Men make up cities and not walls and ships empty of men.
The passage of Thucydides of prime demographic interest is contained in the Epitaph. In B, 44 he puts the following words into the mouth of Pericles to the parents of the Athenian dead of the first year of the war:
"Those of you who are still of childbearing age must endure the calamity with greater fortitude, in the hope of having other children. Because the new procreation will not only individually make many of you forget their dead, but also to the city it will offer a double benefit:Both because of the non-decrease of the population and because of security". (From now on, don't be lonely and safe).
Thucydides rightly observes that the reduction of the population leads to the desolation of the country and increases the risks to its freedom, while the satisfactory birth rate strengthens the defense against all intrigue.
Because today we are concerned with the aggression of neighboring Turkey, which has a high birth rate and a large percentage of young people in the total population, Thucydides in D, 92 gives the following timeless advice:"Only then does one secure his freedom vis-à-vis his neighbors, when he is able and ready to face them!
I am glad, because the government realizes the importance of the demographic problem and provides financial assistance to new parents. I believe that at the same time emphasis should be placed on the mental and spiritual preparation of young boys and girls. We must bring them into contact with the texts of the Fathers of the Church and the Ancient Classical authors. Thucydides always remains relevant!