He used also to say that when he saw physicians, philosophers and pilots at their work, he deemed man the most intelligent of all animals; but when again he saw interpreters of dreams and diviners and those who attended to them, or those who were puffed up with conceit of wealth, he thought no animal more silly.
He would continually say that for the conduct of life we need right reason or a halter.
—Diogenes Laërtius, 6.24
That is the cruelest looking, most intricate bit I've ever seen. What kind of horse was it used for, do you happen to know?
ReplyDeleteWe would have to ask Becki or Brigid. My assumption is that it was for a cavalry horse, though I may well be mistaken. If you look carefully, what appears intricate or cruel may just be the decorative protome, which has nothing to do with the bit in the mouth?
DeleteBrigid just now added that the small spikes on the bit might be offensive to the modern equestrian. She suggests it is not only a matter of different times, but of very different circumstances. The horse in combat will need such a bit, just as it will need proper spurs.
DeleteThat makes sense. If you ever needed a horse to stop RIGHT NOW, it'd be cavalry.
DeletePlease be advised, dear friend, that Diogenes is not for everyone. His style is both harsh and demanding.
DeleteFrom a Christian point of view, consider the difference between monastic and family life. All are called to holiness, though in varying ways.
But DO remember that it must be holiness, not the usual compromised bullshit ;-)
But the compromised bullshit is so much easier.... :P
DeleteIn all seriousness, I've already had to tangle with that in some respects thanks to scruples/ religious purity test culture. I'm a big fan of Aristotle's happy virtuous medium, and of starting with the bare minimum, making sure I understand that, then working from there.