The Unbearable Weight of Love: An Alternative Interpretation of Tragic Greek Mythology

Author: Wang Qi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-07-01
Features:
Love is a solo dance. Love never has a fresh twist; repeating it a thousand times is still about capturing someone's heart. Love always has a fresh twist. Repeating it ten thousand times still fools people. This book discusses love and humanity from the perspective of ancient Greek mythology. Its purpose is to provide a mirror that allows you to calmly see the traps of personality and psychology, enabling you to safely reach the other shore and achieve a healthy, happy self. But what's more interesting is the birth of Athena, the goddess of wisdom. Athena is Zeus's daughter. Before her birth, Zeus received an oracle: "This child's wisdom will surpass yours, and she will be beloved by the gods." Zeus, like his father Cronus, was terrified and took the same action as his father, though in this case, he went even further. He opened his mouth and swallowed his wife, because Athena was still in her womb. This innocent act was something even his father Cronus had never done. Zeus had survived his father's jaws and defeated his tyrannical father in the name of justice and ethics. He knew the evil of his father better than anyone else, but when faced with the same dilemma, he fell into the same trap. This is a wonderful cycle; history has astonishing similarities. Understanding evil doesn't mean it won't happen. As long as the desire to continue the dream persists, this tragedy will keep repeating. Those who forcibly hold onto dreams will become cruel, wanting to eliminate all obstacles that prevent the dream from lingering, even at the cost of turning their children into enemies. Only those who can end fate understand that giving up is inevitable; possessing an ending destiny can make people turn toward goodness and become wise. Fan Li of the ancient state of Yue was smarter than Wen Zhong and knew to retreat when things were at their peak. After helping King Goujian of Yue restore his kingdom, he withdrew from politics. Legend has it that he took the beautiful Xi Shi boating on the rivers and lakes, making him rich and enjoying the company of a stunning beauty, while also saving his life. It can be said that he gained a great deal. Wen Zhong, however, stayed in the court and refused to leave, as if he still wanted more glory, but ended up with his head and body separated. What's the point? The more you want, the more you lose. This is the curse of continuing the dream.