As you know, I have been very busy lately learning everything about being a ship agent. Since it is pretty intense, I have decided to use my spare time to read some fiction, something I only do about once a year. In reflection of my new lifestyle, and in preparation for the upcoming flick 300 (the graphic novel is amazing by the way), I have decided to read Steven Pressfield’s Sparta epic Gates of Fire. Gates of Fire is a favourite of the military community and first crossed my desk way back in 1997 in a review from Hoplite, the newsletter produced by the IHS. The book is really engaging, and provides some insight into the realpolitik of the Classical World. In one scene, a boy-soldier is being dressed down by his superiors. They grill him (pp.131):

Can you envision a world without war?
Can you imagine clemency from an enemy?
Describe the condition of Lakedaemon without her army, without her warriors, to defend her?
...
Define the word “mercy.” Define “compassion.” Are these the virtues of war or peace? Of me or women? Are they virtues at all?

Steven Pressfield has written numerous historical fiction novels about the Classical World. His latest is about Alexander the Great in Afghanistan. This has encouraged him to compare the current campaigns in the Middle East to the campaigns of yore. Late last year he began writing op-eds about Islam as being only a thin veneer for the insurgency, and tribalism as the true force that will impede any push for Western-style democracy in the Middle East. Sounds similar to what Our Bob has also written previously.

Pressfield’s books provide a good escape into the Classical World for those that live as pessimistic realists in modern times. I recommend Gates of Fire and am excitedly looking forward to 300.

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