The great Athenian lawmaker Solon once went to visit the richest man in the world – King Croesus of Lydia. Croesus lived in a beautiful palace and wanted to show off his wealth to his visitor. After a tour of the palace and several sumptuous meals, Croesus was expecting some flattery from Solon. Since Solon had not said anything about how great a life Croesus lived, Croesus finally just came right out and said: “Solon, who is the happiest person you have ever known?” He was confident that Solon would say him, but Solon named someone he had never heard of. When Croesus asked why he chose that guy, Solon explained that the man had lived a good life and when he passed on, his family was at his side. Croesus had to agree that was a pretty happy life, although he still thought he was the happiest man. When he asked Solon how he could not have chosen him, Solon responded: “I agree that you are very happy, but one cannot be judged until their life has run its course. Who knows what the future holds for you?”
Years later, Croesus’ kingdom was being threatened by the Persian army of Cyrus the Great. Unsure whether to go to war, Croesus consulted the Oracle of Delphi. The seer told him “if you go to war with Persia, you will destroy a great kingdom.” Hearing what he wanted, Croesus sent his army to battle and was badly defeated. Next thing he knew, he was tied to a stake and about to be burned to death by Cyrus. When the torch was about to be put to the wood, he yelled out: “Solon, I’m ready to be judged!” Cyrus was so intrigued by these strange last words, he stopped the execution to ask Croesus what he meant. Croesus told his story about Solon. Cyrus enjoyed the story, but still ordered the fire be lit. Croesus said: “Wait a second, let me ask you one question. What is your army doing right now?” Cyrus: “My army is sacking your capital, raping your women, killing your men, stealing your treasures.” Croesus: “You are wrong. Your army is sacking your capital, raping your women, killing your men, and stealing your treasure. The capital is now yours. You won the war.” It dawned on Cyrus that Croesus was right, so he sent orders for his army to stop. Cyrus was so impressed that he spared Croesus’ life and made him an adviser.
Croesus
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