A single story,

"So that is how to create a single story, show a people as one thing, as only one thing, over and over again, and that is what they become."

—Chimamanda Adichie, from The Danger of a Single Story

The Oracle of Delphi

With much happiness, thanks to my host George Soultis in Athens, I was at Delphi today. The bus was most comfortable, the up and down journey being nearly 6 hours with a little over 2 hours to see the archaeological site. Enough time to slowly take in the landscape, to reflect on why one feels like going to this ancient place, enough time to ponder the commentary and my own life, it's vagaries, changes, questions.
Daphne our guide spoke smoke wise words. The Oracle if Delphi only answered questions regarding nations and for groups of people. The answers were never direct. They could be interpreted either way. One king about to fight the Persians asked what would happen. He was told that a big army would lose. He assumed that it would be the Persians. His army lost!
In one of the explanations it was mentioned that even though the Romans redirected Delphi is influence waned after the Roman invasion in the 2nd century B.C. The reason mentioned is that, though respected, there was no more say in the political decisions.
How interesting that God men and women are popular and powerful  onlyas long as the powers that be value them, only as long add they have power.
Do we seek power? Each of us, in our own way? Or do we worship power, the places from where influence flows? And like the king who sought guidance, do we look for answers we desire? And this do we ignore real guidance?
Our is it that we wish to place on some external power our confusions, thus absolving ourselves of the responsibility for the action we choose?
The myth of Oedipus was another eye opener. Far far into the future he discovered his folly. His journey also began with a prophesy and advice.
Can we take counsel from ourselves? Through observation, understanding and careful consideration, knowing we are fallible human beings?

The more ancient hills, the landscape replete with myths and history, the warmth of the people despite the slowdown ...