Tuesday, July 8, 2008

The Athenian Oath

This oath was taken by the young citizens of ancient Athens when they reached the age of seventeen.

We will never bring disgrace on this our City by an act of dishonesty or
cowardice.

We will fight for the ideals and Sacred Things of the City both alone
and with many.

We will revere and obey the City's laws, and will do our best to incite
a like reverence and respect in those above us who are prone to annul them or
set them at naught.

We will strive increasingly to quicken the public's sense of civic
duty.

Thus in all these ways we will transmit this City, not only not
less,but greater and more beautiful than it was transmitted to us.