Saturday, August 11, 2007

Think About It...

I read a really interesting story in The Histories today.  I thought the idea in it made a lot of sense:

"...Everyone without exception believes his own native customs, and the religion he was brought up in, to be the best; and that being so, it is unlikely that anyone but a madman would mock at such things.  There is abundant evidence that this is the universal feeling about the ancient customs of one's country.  One might recall, in particular, an account told of Darius.  When he was king of Persia, he summoned the Greeks who happened to be present at his court, and asked them what they would take to eat the dead bodies of their fathers.  They replied that they would not do it for any money in the world.  Later, in the presence of the Greeks, and through an interpreter, he asked some Indians, of the tribe called Callatiae, who do in fact eat their parents' dead bodies, what they would take to burn them.  They uttered a cry of horror and forbade him to mention such a dreadful thing.  One can see by this what custom can do..."

I think that makes so much sense!  I just thought it was an interesting little discussion topic...

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