Pericles Uplifting Speech

Pericles Uplifting Speech

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To stand in front of thousands; to speak the words aimed at persuading a crowd; to believe, and have them as well, a seemingly just cause - this is what a leader must do. Every era has its trouble, its own conflict, and along with it, its own leader who will do what he can to unite his followers. In 431 BC, Athens was in the midst of a war, and from that war came a speech, said by Pericles, that to this day, remains the model for any leader seeking to persuade his citizens and have them believe and act in favor of their land. Throughout United States' history, various leaders have used the format of his speech in efforts to reach their citizens. Many of the values and personal responsibilities that Pericles spoke of remain important in today's American society.

Pericles stood in front of hundreds of Athenians the day he made his speech. He initially felt he was not worthy, that "the worth which had displayed itself in deeds would be sufficiently rewarded by honors also by deeds" (28). However, he spoke that day, discussing first the nation's ancestors, paying homage to the forefather's of Athens. Pericles then moved on to speak of the fallen soldiers of the Peloponnesian War. He paid tribute to them, proclaiming their deaths were both purposeful and appreciated by Athens. Pericles finished by discussing the duties a citizen has to his land. This is the general outline of the "Funeral Speech."

"I shall begin with our ancestors: it is both just and proper that they have the honor of the first mention on an occasion like the present" (28). Pericles gave the founding fathers of Athens the honor of being mentioned before all in his speech. He spoke of Athens' fa...

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...to motivate his people to take an active role in society. Many of the thoughts and ideas stated in this piece have been used by other leaders throughout the world to stimulate interest within their societies as well. The Ancient Greek society, which Pericles was a part of, has had a large impact in the development of the United States. America's values are very similar to that of the Ancient Greece. They believe that freedom is an essential part of society and that the military can be a proper way to enforce this freedom. However, due to advancements within daily life, Americans are less politically active. Pericles would refer to these Americans as "useless," they obviously would not be rewarded in his society. Despite some differences, many of the values and personal responsibilities possessed in Ancient Greek society are similar to those in the US today.