“Personal wealth brings with it public harm,” stated Theognis of Megara. A sentiment followed by Solon who admonished those who destroy the city “on account of their desire for wealth”. Let’s look at how the (reluctant) struggle for democracy and debt control played out in Athens – from Solon to Pericles.
In the third session we turn from Sparta to Athens and try to apply David Graeber’s framework from Debt – The first 5000 years (mainly chapter 5 and chapter 9 – if anybody wants to check their notes).
Suggested reading is the summery doc:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BrkeryoR_-gqstFs0WlIBhAFj3pzPwocS4HZBEcGtFI/edit?usp=sharing
Suggested further reading are chapters four and five.
The goal is to have a lively discussion – bring your favorite passage!
Reading materials and more are available in the “The Origins of Modern Debt Politics in Greece & Rome” room. The link is on the right or otherwise closeby depending on the size of your screen.