Beware of Greeks, Even if they bear gifts

In ancient Greece, ardor—and the withholding of it—becomes a weapon.

WATCHING THE NEWS can be frustrating—what can one do about troubling events at home and abroad? One suggestion for achieving world peace comes from ancient Greece; it requires strength, sacrifice, and a lot of willpower. Just take the oath along with ARISTOPHANES and the women of Lysistrata as they protest war by going on the ultimate strike.

411 BC | Athens Just Say No Lysistrata: I will not allow either boyfriend or husband— Calonice: I will not allow either boyfriend or husband— Lysistrata: —to approach me in an erect condition. Go on! Calonice: —to approach me in an—erect—condition—help, Lysistrata, my knees are giving way! [She nearly faints, but recovers herself.] Lysistrata: And I will live at home without any sexual activity— Calonice: And I will live at home without any sexual activity— Lysistrata: —wearing my best makeup and my most seductive dresses— Calonice: —wearing my best makeup and my most seductive dresses— Lysistrata: —to inflame my husband’s ardor. Calonice: —to inflame my husband’s ardor. Lysistrata: But I will never willingly yield to his desires.