Achilles and the Ancient Code of Courage
Chris’ new release, Achilles, immortalizes one of ancient Greece’s greatest mythical heroes. Achilles is the main character in Homer’s Iliad and the Odyssey. This pivotal poem was written somewhere between 750 BC and 650 BC and the epic story recounts the adventures of Achilles, who joined the Spartan army in order to rescue the abducted Helen from the prince of Troy. His daring journey, although mythical, has continued to inspire men to this very day.
2026 "Achilles" Silver Proof Coin, by Chris Duane
Homer was not the only ancient Greek to bequeath humanity with profound life lessons through his writings. In fact, both the Greek, and the Roman, philosophers, lawyers, writers, rulers and mathematicians have had a dramatic effect on the behavior, and the understandings, of modern man, especially during the development of Western Civilization.
These ground-breaking ancient thinkers not only included Homer, but also included Plato, Aristotle, Socrates, Virgil, Alexander the Great, Pericles and Cicero. These men set the stage for what would become the orderly world we now take for granted.
As a result of these brilliant Greek and Roman writings, the European men who formulated Western Civilization, chose to include four of the principles espoused in those ancient writings. In this effort, they adopted the original doctrines of Democracy, Individualism, Rule of Law and Rationalization. But, European men strove for an even more civil, and orderly, society than existed in ancient times as they worked to reformulate their world order.
2026 "Achilles" Silver Proof Coin, by Chris Duane
According to the ancient Greeks and Romans, Democracy was defined as governance by the people themselves, as opposed to rule by all-powerful kings, tyrants or emperors. The principle of Individualism was also incorporated and it values the individual vs. kingship.The Rule of Law was adopted as well because it guaranteed equal justice for every citizen, whether rich or poor. And lastly, Rationalization was encouraged through the use of reason to understand the world.
This was a good start. But, unlike the ancient Romans, who defined their success through paganism and barbaric invasions, the men creating Western Civilization instead chose to advance their culture farther by adopting the life lessons included in the Bible as well.
Western Civilization was established through the four core values it adopted from Greek and Roman precepts but Christianity refined the rules further by applying the laws to all men equally, but applying them ethically as well.
Morality, mercy, charity and individual accountability were embraced by the Western authors of this new form of democracy. This unprecedented form of governance allowed Western Civilization to spread around the globe because unlike the feared butchery associated with ancient Roman invasions, the purveyors of Western Civilization created a non-confrontational form of government. It became a truly civilized formula for success where ordinary men were encouraged to obey the laws, work hard and pursue their individual dreams, which they did.
Although the Bible became the primary source for illustrative life lessons, Greek mythology remained instrumental within Western educational systems. As a result, these ancient men continue to inspire modern young men concerning the personal risks associated with treachery, betrayal, power, and skullduggery, and the glory associated with justice, courage, feats of daring and heroism.
Homer’s Iliad and the Odyssey was an epic fantasy with Achilles as its central hero. He, along with the idealism, self-sacrifice and determination of the brave men who were engaged in the celebrated Trojan War, continue to inspire heroism to this very day.
And, despite being separated by nearly 3500 years, Chris’ new strike, Achilles, reflects those very same heroic desires of today’s young men as well. For this, we should all be very grateful.
Other Silver Shield Proof Round releases
