The Battle of Thermopylae

I greatly enjoyed reading about this battle, I've always enjoyed reading Ancient Greek literature and history. However, to my dismay previous to reading this section the most knowledge I had on this battle was limited to movie reviews that I read on the blockbuster hit "300". I've always been skeptical of such movies as it is almost impossible for movie producers to avoid mixing myth with factual events in dealing with Ancient Greece. However, it was great to read how the actual events transpired and and see the courage of the Spartans that stood thier ground. I think we can still take into account many lessons from this battle and apply it even on a personal level. The Spartans were able to look past the temporal situation, the moment at hand, to see that their actions were affecting the future outcome greatly. In our fast-food, fast-paced society it is all too easy to fall into a habit forming way of life where all that matters is the present and we fail to see how our actions will effect our future or work together for a greater outcome. I speak as one who is probably more guilty than anyone when it comes to this way of life. It may not be a matter of defending your country from being completly over-ran by Persians or an instance of sacrifically dying in a battle to ulitimately win the war, but I really do believe this can apply to our everyday decesions that ultimately effect our future and the future of the world around us. It is very inspiring to look upon these men and see their couragous determination. It's awesome to see that something that happened so long ago can still apply to the lives of not only our political leaders, but also the lives of the individuals in society.