It seems to me that we’re so individualistic nowadays that we don’t understand that there are bigger ramifications to our actions then just us. Back during the siege of a city in Persia, Alexander the Great called to the ruler of the city, “Give up, open your gates, and you’ll be spared destruction.” The ruler answered, “Why would I do that? My gates are strong and my walls are tall and thick.” Alexander then ordered his warriors to assume a line formation facing a cliff and ordered them to march forward. Ten of them plummeted headlong into a ravine, dying on impact. When the ruler saw this, he cried out “Stop! We will surrender the city.” When he saw that Alexander's men were willing to die for him so willingly, he knew it was hopeless. At the same time, Alexander knew that by killing ten men, he’d be sparing countless thousands in what would be a bloody and destructive siege.
We all see the logic in this situation. Ten dead is better than a ruined city and a damaged army of thousands. But ask yourself. Are you willing to be one of the ten?
This might be the best thing I've ever read...
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