Famous Stories Retold: Story 14 of 30
Kingdom’s Wealth: Croesus’ kingdom was one of the wealthiest in the ancient world, largely due to the gold found in the Pactolus River.
Historical Legacy: The story of Croesus serves as a cautionary tale about the impermanence of wealth and the dangers of hubris.
A good book we like, we explorers. That is our best amusement, and our best time killer
- Roald Amundsen, Explorer
In history, few tales enthrall as much as the intriguing discourse between King Croesus, once deemed the wealthiest man on earth, and Solon, the paragon of wisdom. This tale, teeming with age-old wisdom and philosophical insights, provokes a profound redefinition of true wealth and happiness. Through this narrative, we explore the shifting sands of fortune, the ephemeral nature of worldly riches and the unalloyed wisdom that transcends temporal bounds. Are you ready to delve into this captivating saga and reap its timeless lessons?
King Croesus, the ruler of Asia, was known for his immense wealth and prosperous reign. His kingdom, albeit not too large, flourished under his rule and the people thrived in their affluence. The king himself was reputed as the richest man in the world, a phrase that has survived through the centuries, leading to the popular saying, "as rich as Croesus." The king reveled in his wealth, owning vast lands, magnificent houses, and numerous slaves. He was adorned in the finest clothing and surrounded by beauty that left him content and self-proclaimed as the happiest man in the world.
On a warm summer day, Solon, the renowned lawmaker of Athens, traveled to Asia and visited King Croesus. Famous for his wisdom, Solon was held in high esteem, being compared to the wise even centuries after his demise. Eager to impress the wise man, Croesus proudly showed Solon his opulent palace, displaying grand rooms, exquisite carpets, plush couches, rich furniture, priceless artworks, and an extensive library of books. He also showcased his splendid gardens, orchards, stables, and thousands of unique collectibles from around the world, hoping to earn his affirmation.
During a meal, Croesus asked Solon to name the happiest man, hoping he would be the one. But the wise Solon mentioned the name of Tellus, a poor Athenian man who lived an honest life, worked hard to educate his kids, and died serving his country. Taken aback by this unexpected response, Croesus hid his disappointment and asked Solon to name the second happiest man. Once again, Solon mentioned two brothers who labored tirelessly to support their ailing mother and served their city after her demise. This reflection on true happiness irked Croesus, who felt insulted that his wealth and power were deemed insignificant in the pursuit of genuine happiness.
As time passed, the world's stage saw the emergence of a new mighty ruler, Cyrus, who embarked on a mission to expand his reign over Asia. With a vast army at his disposal, he swiftly overpowered kingdoms, adding them to his colossal empire of Babylon. Despite his vast wealth and resources, King Croesus found himself incapable of resisting this inexorable force.
Cyrus' forces eventually breached the city of Croesus, laying waste to his once magnificent palace, orchards, and gardens. The wealthy king was captured, his treasured possessions seized and carried off, marking the end of his prosperous reign. The man once known as the wealthiest in the world was now but a powerless prisoner, underscoring the transient nature of material wealth.
In a cruel twist of fate, the once mighty Croesus was led to the marketplace by Cyrus' soldiers, and bound in the center of a pyre constructed from the remnants of his once resplendent palace. As he lay there beaten and bloody, the inevitability of his death looming, the words of Solon echoed in his mind.
Faced with the harsh reality of his situation, Croesus understood the truth in Solon's wisdom. True happiness indeed lay beyond material wealth and power. The wisdom of the Athenian lawmaker resonated with a newfound clarity as he lamented, "O Solon! O Solon! Solon!" His cries filled the air, a haunting reminder of his fall from grace and the impermanence of worldly riches.
Cyrus, happening to pass by, heard the mournful cries of Croesus. Intrigued, he inquired about the repeated utterance of Solon's name. After some persuasion, Croesus recounted the story of Solon's visit and the wisdom he had shared. Cyrus was deeply moved by this tale and found himself reflecting upon the fleeting nature of power and wealth.
This revelation led Cyrus to reconsider his actions. The once ruthless conqueror adopted a new perspective, acknowledging the importance of compassion and mercy. He ordered the release of Croesus, treating him henceforth with the respect reserved for honored friends. Thus, the wisdom of Solon not only saved Croesus but also inspired a significant change in the mighty Cyrus, demonstrating the enduring power of wisdom in shaping lives and destinies.
The tale of King Croesus and Solon's dialogue unfolds timeless wisdom, reminding us that true wealth is not measured by material possessions, but by one's virtue and integrity. The story unravels a profound lesson - the fleeting nature of worldly riches and the importance of moral fortitude. As we navigate through our lives, may we remember Solon's wisdom and strive for a wealth that transcends the material, a wealth that is eternal and truly enriching. The saga of King Croesus and Solon is not just a historical narrative, but a beacon guiding us towards a deeper understanding of true wealth and happiness.
Some thousands of years ago there lived in Asia a king whose name was Croesus. The country over which he ruled was not very large, but its people were prosperous and famed for their wealth. Croesus himself was said to be the richest man in the world; and so well known is his name that, to this day, it is not uncommon to say of a very wealthy person that he is "as rich as Croesus."
King Croesus had everything that could make him happy—lands and houses and slaves, fine clothing to wear, and beautiful things to look at. He could not think of anything that he needed to make him more comfortable or contented. "I am the happiest man in the world," he said.
It happened one summer that a great man from across the sea was traveling in Asia. The name of this man was Solon, and he was the lawmaker of Athens in Greece. He was noted for his wisdom; and, centuries after his death, the highest praise that could be given to a learned man was to say, "He is as wise as Solon."
Solon had heard of Croesus, and so one day he visited him in his beautiful palace. Croesus was now happier and prouder than ever before, for the wisest man in the world was his guest. He led Solon through his palace and showed him the grand rooms, the fine carpets, the soft couches, the rich furniture, the pictures, the books. Then he invited him out to see his gardens and his orchards and his stables; and he showed him thousands of rare and beautiful things that he had collected from all parts of the world.
In the evening as the wisest of men and the richest of men were dining together, the king said to his guest, "Tell me now, O Solon, who do you think is the happiest of all men?" He expected that Solon would say, "Croesus."
The wise man was silent for a minute, and then he said, "I have in mind a poor man who once lived in Athens and whose name was Tellus. He, I doubt not, is the happiest of all men."
This was not the answer that Croesus wanted; but he hid his disappointment and asked, "Why do you think so?"
"Because," answered his guest, "Tellus was an honest man who labored hard for many years to bring up his children and to give them a good education; and when they were grown and able to do for themselves, he joined the Athenian army and gave his life bravely in the defense of his country. Can you think of any one who is more deserving of happiness?"
"Perhaps not," answered Croesus, half choking with disappointment. "But who do you think ranks next to Tellus in happiness?" He was quite sure now that Solon would say "Croesus."
"I have in mind," said Solon, "two young men whom I knew in Greece. Their father died when they were mere children, and they were very poor. But they worked manfully to keep the house together and to support their mother, who was in feeble health. Year after year they toiled, nor thought of anything but their mother's comfort. When at length she died, they gave all their love to Athens, their native city, and nobly served her as long as they lived."
Then Croesus was angry. "Why is it," he asked, "that you make me of no account and think that my wealth and power are nothing? Why is it that you place these poor working people above the richest king in the world?"
"O king," said Solon, "no man can say whether you are happy or not until you die. For no man knows what misfortunes may overtake you, or what misery may be yours in place of all this splendor."
Many years after this there arose in Asia a powerful king whose name was Cyrus. At the head of a great army he marched from one country to another, overthrowing many a kingdom and attaching it to his great empire of Babylon. King Croesus with all his wealth was not able to stand against this mighty warrior. He resisted as long as he could. Then his city was taken, his beautiful palace was burned, his orchards and gardens were destroyed, his treasures were carried away, and he himself was made prisoner.
"The stubbornness of this man Croesus," said King Cyrus, "has caused us much trouble and the loss of many good soldiers. Take him and make an example of him for other petty kings who may dare to stand in our way."
Thereupon the soldiers seized Croesus and dragged him to the market place, handling him pretty roughly all the time. Then they built up a great pile of dry sticks and timber taken from the ruins of his once beautiful palace. When this was finished they tied the unhappy king in the midst of it, and one ran for a torch to set it on fire.
"Now we shall have a merry blaze," said the savage fellows. "What good can all his wealth do him now?"
As poor Croesus, bruised and bleeding, lay upon the pyre without a friend to soothe his misery, he thought of the words which Solon had spoken to him years before: "No man can say whether you are happy or not until you die," and he moaned, "O Solon! O Solon! Solon!"
It so happened that Cyrus was riding by at that very moment and heard his moans. "What does he say?" he asked of the soldiers.
"He says, 'Solon, Solon, Solon!' " answered one.
Then the king rode nearer and asked Croesus, "Why do you call on the name of Solon?"
Croesus was silent at first; but after Cyrus had repeated his question kindly, he told all about Solon's visit at his palace and what he had said.
The story affected Cyrus deeply. He thought of the words, "No man knows what misfortunes may overtake you, or what misery may be yours in place of all this splendor." And he wondered if some time he, too, would lose all his power and be helpless in the hands of his enemies.
"After all," said he, "ought not men to be merciful and kind to those who are in distress? I will do to Croesus as I would have others do to me." And he caused Croesus to be given his freedom; and ever afterwards treated him as one of his most honored friends.