(Originally written July 7, 2006 in Book 4)
The History of Western Philosophy
Bertrand Russell
Chapter XII - The Influence of Sparta
Sparta had a double influence:
1) Through reality (defeat of Athens)
2) Through myth (Plato & Plutarch)
The Spratan Myth is fully developed in Plutarch's 'Life of Lycurgus' and this had a profound impact on Rousseau, Nietzsche and National Socialism.
The Spartans captured Laconia (southeast Peloponnesus) in the Dorian invasion and enslaved the people there.
The slave class was known as the Helots, who were Greek and hated the Spartans.
Helots rebelled constantly and once a year the Spartans (ritualistically) declared war on them. Young Spartans killed any Helot deemed insubordinate without penalty.
Sparta produced soldiers. They were obsessed with war and had no time for cultural or scientific training. All healthy boys were trained to be soldiers, wholly devoted to the state. Sick boys were not raised and thus, died.
Spartan boys were trained until 20, then military service began. They became citizens at 30.
Each Spartan had a plot of land, worked by the Helots. They were not to be rich or to be poor.
No silver or gold was permitted. Money was made of iron. Spartan simplicity reigned.
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