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5.7 Earthquake Rattles Western Peloponnese, Greece

Earthquake Peloponnese
Earthquake rattles western Peloponnese, but Greek seismologists say there is no need for alarm. Credit: Geodynamic Institute of Athens

A 5.7 earthquake rattled western Peloponnese in southern Greece on Friday morning just after 9 am local time.

The earthquake struck near the Strofades islands and was felt as far as Athens and Crete. There are no reports of injuries or damage until now.

“It is too early to say if this is the main earthquake,” seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos told state TV ERT.

Efthymios Lekkas, president of the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization (OASP) said that the earthquake should be of great concern because it has been recorded in a marine area with a large focal depth”.

He added that the quake was strongly felt in Zakynthos, Kefalonia, Agrinio, in areas of the Peloponnese and also in Athens. “However, it is an earthquake that does not appear to have an impact on building infrastructure and people,” he noted.

In January a 4.8 earthquake occurred under the sea near the coast of Peloponnese.

In the same month, a magnitude 4.8 earthquake occurred under the sea near the coast of the island of Evia in Greece.

In November 2023, a 5.1 earthquake also rattled the island of Evia.

Scientists warn that a large earthquake could strike Greece

Greece may be struck by a large earthquake like the one that has devastated Turkey and Syria, at least two Greek scientists said early in 2023.

The seismological forecasts were made during conversations about the impacts of the natural disasters in Turkey and Syria. The professors expressed concern that a similarly large earthquake could affect Greece sometime in the future.

Speaking in two separate interviews, Professor Konstantinos Synolakis and Professor Costas Papazachos drew similar conclusions when assessing the history of seismic activity in the Greek region.

Greece lies in a highly seismically active region. The vast majority of earthquakes cause no damage or injuries, however.

In October 2020, an earthquake that struck the eastern Greek Aegean island of Samos and the nearby Turkish coast killed two people on Samos and at least seventy-five people in Turkey.

Greece is located in a complex geological boundary zone in the eastern Mediterranean between the African and Eurasian Plates. The northern part of Greece lies on the Eurasian Plate, while the southern part lies on the Aegean Sea Plate.

The Aegean Sea Plate is moving southwestward concerning the Eurasian Plate at about an inch (thirty millimeters) per year, while the African Plate is moving northward, sliding beneath the Aegean Sea Plate at a rate of about 1.6 inches (forty millimeters) per year.

Two Greek Ministers Resign after Meeting with Media Mogul Marinakis

Marinakis
Evangelos Marinakis is a shipowner and a Greek media and football tycoon. Credit: Olympiacos FC, CC BY-SA 4.0

Two Greek ministers resigned on Thursday after it was revealed that they met Evangelos Marinakis, a Greek media and football tycoon earlier in the week.

Minister of State Stavros Papastavrou and Deputy Minister to Prime Minister Ioannis Bratakοs submitted their resignations to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who thanked them for their cooperation and accepted the resignations.

Participation in a social gathering sent the wrong message, government sources stated regarding the resignations without openly disclosing Marinakis’ name.

The two ministers, close associates of Mitsotakis, had participated in a social event on the name day of Marinakis along with many other friends and relatives of the tycoon.

In recent weeks government officials have criticized Marinakis without ever mentioning his name. They have implied that his media group, the Lambrakis Press Group, which includes some of the country’s most-selling newspapers is on a war footing against the government.

“Did you send them to smoke cigars or a peace pipe?”

The meeting in question was raised in Parliament on Thursday by the PASOK leader, Nikos Androulakis, during the debate on the motion of no confidence in the government.

Androulakis, whom the government accused of tabling the no-confidence motion due to being “entangled” with a certain businessman, asked why two government ministers had drinks on Sunday night together with the same businessman.

“Did you send them to smoke cigars or a peace pipe,” Androulakis asked, implying that the ministers in question were trying to convince Marinakis to change his stance against the government.

In a statement issued before the resignations, the main opposition SYRIZA said that the next time the government accused SYRIZA of being “entangled” with certain interests, it should recall the “friendly drinks” of its ministers with the same interests.

Reacting to the resignations, New Left said: “If anyone should resign, it is the prime minister himself, the high priest of cover-ups, lies and misinformation.”

Mitsotakis hits back at business interests – No mention of Marinakis

Mitsotakis during his speech in the parliament mentioned “business interests” that want to influence Greek politics following the report in the Sunday newspaper To Vima, owned by Marinakis.

The front page story cited doctored tapes leaked to the press immediately after the horrific train crash at Tempe, implying that the government instigated a cover-up. The report led to Androulakis tabling the no-confidence motion that was rejected on Thursday.

Mitsotakis said the report was misleading, and that the events it detailed – a supposed flurry of communications that highlighted the stationmaster’s responsibility for the crash – had been reported a long time ago by state TV ERT and that his government had no involvement.

The Prime Minister stressed that there are distinct responsibilities and limits in a parliamentary democracy.

“Governments are the ones who set the rules and this sometimes leads to conflicts,” he said characteristically, and added that “the sovereign people rule and not the bloated wallets, even if some people think that everyone and everything is redeemable, they are deeply in the dark.

“If a publisher, a big businessman, has political aspirations, let him appear openly. But himself, not through proxies. If they wish, they must be seen, judged, compared and measured,” he added.

Marikanis owns a big fleet of freighters and LNG ships, and Greek football club Olympiacos and English team Nottingham Forest.

The Black Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt

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Black Pharaohs replica statues
Replica statues of 25th Dynasty Egyptian rulers, also known as the Black Pharaohs. Credit: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

Netflix’s Queen Cleopatra docuseries has caused an immense storm of controversy surrounding its depiction of Cleopatra VII Philopator as a black woman, and whilst Cleopatra herself was not black, there were indeed black pharaohs who ruled over Egypt at one point in the 8th and 7th centuries BC.

The 25th Dynasty, also known as the Nubian Dynasty, or Black Pharaohs, ruled Egypt between 744 BC and 656 BC as part of the wider Kushite Empire. The 25th Dynasty originated from the city-state of Napata in Nubia, in what is today Sudan.

The Nubian Kushite civilization, from whom the 25th Dynasty originated, could, like the Egyptians,  boast of impressive architectural, artistic, and cultural achievements. Sadly, this enigmatic civilization has been overshadowed by its better-known members and does not achieve the attention it deserves in a mainstream setting.

The Black Pharaohs: 25th Dynasty Egypt

The 25th Dynasty’s rise to power began with King Piye, who launched a military campaign into Egypt and successfully captured Memphis, the capital, in 727 BC. Piye proclaimed himself pharaoh and initiated the Kushite Dynasty’s rule over Egypt, although it was his successor, Shebitku, who fully established Kushite control over Egypt after defeating King Bakenranef of the rival 24th Dynasty at the Battle of Sais.

Subsequent kings of the dynasty, including Shabaka, Shebitku, Taharqa, and Tanutamun, continued to consolidate their power and assert their authority over Egypt.

The Kushite pharaohs of the 25th Dynasty implemented various policies during their rule. They sought to restore traditional Egyptian religious practices and fostered a revival of the old cults and temples. The Kushite rulers emphasized their legitimacy by aligning themselves with Egyptian traditions and presenting themselves as champions of Ma’at (order and justice).

The Black Pharaohs erected grand structures and renovated existing temples, leaving behind a rich architectural legacy. As noted by Caroline H. Armstrong, “Taharqa was the greatest builder among the Kushite rulers” and he embarked on ambitious construction projects, such as the expansion of the Temple of Amun at Karnak in Thebes, which showcased his commitment to the revitalization of Egyptian religious sites.

Kushite Pyramids

Kushite Pyramids
Pyramids constructed by the Kushites, also known as Nubian Pyramids. Three of the pyramids shown here were reconstructed. Credit: Wufei07 / Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

The Kushite kings of Egypt were also keen to initiate a revival of pyramid building in their new realm, bringing about a resurgence of monumental tombs to the Egyptian landscape. This revival occurred approximately 1,000 years after Egyptian burial practices had evolved away from pyramid construction.

The 25th Dynasty, introduced their own pyramids, showcasing their cultural and political connection to ancient Egypt. The construction of Nubian pyramids commenced at El Kurru in 751 BC, initially serving as the final resting place for Piye, the inaugural ruler of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty. Subsequently, additional pyramids were erected at the Nuri site.

Nubian pyramids were modeled after a distinct form of Egyptian private elite family pyramids that had been prevalent during the New Kingdom era, spanning from 1550 BC to 1069 BC. These structures embodied the architectural style and symbolism of ancient Egypt, reflecting the continuity and reverence for the traditions of the pharaohs.

It is noteworthy that a greater number of Nubian pyramids have survived to the present day compared to their Egyptian counterparts. This fact highlights the enduring nature of the Nubian pyramid structures, which have withstood the test of time.

The revival of pyramid construction during the Twenty-fifth Dynasty not only rekindled the ancient Egyptian burial practices but also showcased the cultural exchange and historical ties between Nubia and Egypt. The Nubian pyramids stand as enduring testaments to the artistry, engineering prowess, and cultural interplay of these fascinating civilizations.

1,500-Year-Old DNA Reveals Face of Chinese Emperor Wu

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Face reconstruction of Chinese Emperor Wu based on 1,500-year-old DNA
Face reconstruction of Chinese Emperor Wu based on 1,500-year-old DNA. Credit: Current Biology

In a recent study, scientists used DNA from the bones of a Chinese emperor who lived 1,500 years ago to figure out what he might have looked like and how he might have died.

The emperor, named Wu, was in charge of China’s Northern Zhou dynasty from A.D. 560 to 578 when he passed away at 36 years old, as per a study released on Wednesday in the journal Current Biology.

Based on the study, Emperor Wu is famous for strengthening the military, calming down the Turks, and bringing together northern China after beating the Northern Qi dynasty.

Chinese Emperor Wu might die of a stroke

For a long time, people have debated what caused the emperor to die so young. Some thought he might have been poisoned by enemies, while others believed he succumbed to a mysterious illness. Now, this new DNA study suggests he probably died because of a stroke.

Wu’s tomb was first found by archaeologists in 1996. Inside, they found his skeleton, including a nearly complete skull. From this skull, scientists could take out his DNA for analysis, as mentioned in the statement.

“Our work brought historical figures to life,” study co-author Pianpian Wei, an assistant professor in the Department of Cultural Heritage and Museology at Fudan University in Shanghai, said in the statement.

“Previously, people had to rely on historical records or murals to picture what ancient people looked like. We are able to reveal the appearance of the Xianbei people directly.”

Emperor Wu belonged to the Xianbei ethnic group

The facial reconstruction shows a man with brown eyes, black hair, and a darker skin tone, which is quite similar to the appearance of people from Northern and Eastern Asia today.

The study also verified that Wu belonged to the Xianbei ethnic group, who were nomads living in what we now call Mongolia and the northern regions of China.

Through DNA analysis, researchers found out that the Xianbei people moved down to northern China and mingled with those who were ethnically Han Chinese.

“This is an important piece of information for understanding how ancient people spread in Eurasia and how they integrated with local people,” study co-author Shaoqing Wen, a doctoral student of archaeological science at Fudan University, said in the statement.

The recent analysis agrees with old records describing Wu as having “aphasia,” which means difficulty in understanding or speaking due to brain damage, along with drooping eyelids and an unusual way of walking — all of which are possible signs of a stroke, according to the statement.

Harvard to Remove Binding Made of Human Skin From 1800s Book

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Des Destinées de l'Ame having binding made of human skin
A copy of ‘Des Destinées de l’Ame’ which has a binding made of human skin. Credit: Harvard University

Harvard University announced it will remove a binding made from human skin from a book dating back to the 19th century. This book, named Des Destinées de l’Ame (or Destinies of the Soul), has been at Harvard’s Houghton Library since the 1930s.

However, it gained global notice in 2014 after tests confirmed its unusual cover material. Harvard cited ethical concerns as the reason behind this decision, according to The Guardian.

On Wednesday, Harvard University announced its decision to remove the skin binding from the book after thorough study, discussions with stakeholders, and careful consideration.

Additionally, the university stated it will collaborate with authorities to determine a respectful final arrangement for these human remains.

Written by a French novelist in the mid-1880s

Arsène Houssaye, a French novelist, authored the book in the mid-1880s, focusing on the essence of the soul and the afterlife. Ludovic Bouland, a French physician, initially owned the volume and bound it with human skin.

Harvard revealed that Bouland acquired the skin without consent from a deceased female patient at the hospital where he practiced. This unsettling backstory, termed “ethically fraught” by Harvard, prompted the university to opt for the removal of the skin binding, as reported by The Guardian.

Tom Hyry, an archivist at Houghton Library, shared insights in a Q&A released by Harvard regarding the decision to remove the book from its library. He stated, “As you can imagine, this has been an unusual circumstance for us in the library and we have learned a great deal as we arrived at our decision.”

“The core problem with the volume’s creation was a doctor who didn’t see a whole person in front of him and carried out an odious act of removing a piece of skin from a deceased patient, almost certainly without consent, and used it in a book binding that has been handled by many for more than a century. We believe it’s time the remains be put to rest.”

Harvard initially treated it as good news for anthropodermic bibliopegy

In the past, Harvard students working in the library were sometimes subjected to a hazing ritual. They were asked to fetch the book without knowing it was covered in human remains.

Back in 2014, when the strange binding of the book was confirmed, Harvard treated it with a more light-hearted tone. The university referred to the discovery as good news for fans of anthropodermic bibliopegy, bibliomaniacs, and cannibals alike.

Anthropodermic bibliopegy is the practice of binding books in human skin, which gained popularity in the 19th century but has been documented since at least the 1500s.

British Airways Greece to London Flight Almost Crashed with Drone

British Airways flight from Athens to Heathrow came within five feet of hitting a drone.
British Airways flight from Athens, Greece to London, UK came within five feet of hitting a drone. Credit: BriYYZ. CC BY 2.0/flickr

A British Airways flight from Athens, Greece to London, UK, narrowly missed a drone by five feet while flying at 250mph 9,600 feet in the air during a very close call which could have spelled disaster for those onboard.

The illegally-flown drone came within five feet of a collision with the British Airways aircraft over the Kent countryside, a report has revealed.

The flight from Athens, Greece, to London’s Heathrow airport had around 180 passengers on board and was cruising through the air at more than 250mph, with the incident thought to be one of the closest ever near scrapes between a BA jet and a drone.

The near miss occurred just before 4.30pm on January 3 this year, as the Airbus A321 was making its way into a holding stack roughly six miles south of Sevenoaks while waiting its turn to join the final flight path into the London airport.

What Happened with the British Airways Flight and the Drone?

The drone was flying at 24 times the typical maximum legal height for the devices, which is just 400 feet. It is thought that the owner of the drone was not found, however, if they had been caught, they could have been jailed for up to five years for endangering an aircraft.

A report released by the UK Airprox Board, which examines near misses, sated that the pilots estimated the drone as being roughly five feet above their wing and just 30 feet from their cockpit. Pilots have warned again and again in recent years about the risk of drones causing potentially disastrous damage by being inhaled into a jet engine or breaking a windscreen.

The flying height of the devices is usually restricted by software to 400 feet, but the restriction can be over-ridden by a patch which can be bought online. Extra batteries can also be installed which help drones reach greater heights – which is the likely explanation for why it was close to the British Airways flight.

It has been suggested that the careless drone operator involved in the incident may have been trying to get video footage of an aircraft from close up in mid-air, and the report rated it as a category A incident where there was a serious risk of collision.

It said that the plane was approaching its holding stack when the pilot “became aware of an object slightly to the right of the nose at the same level on a constant bearing with closing distance.”

The report also said that “It was small, but had the distinctive shape of a drone. The object passed down the right-hand side of the aircraft and over their right wing. Details were passed immediately to London ATC (air traffic control) who informed the pilot of the aircraft behind them.”

The British Airways pilot said the risk of collision with the drone was high, stating that the object had “shot down our right hand side” and describing it as “extremely close”.

The report added, “Analysis of the radar by Safety Investigations indicated that there were no primary or secondary contacts associated with the drone report visible on radar at the approximate time of the event.”

Concluding that “In the Board’s opinion the reported altitude and/or description of the object were sufficient to indicate that it could have been a drone. The Board considered that the pilot’s overall account of the incident portrayed a situation where providence had played a major part in the incident and/or a definite risk of collision had existed.”

Greek PM Mitsotakis Survives Vote of No Confidence

Mitsotakis prime minister Greece
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis survives vote of no confidence motion over handling of Tempe rail disaster. Credit: Prime Minister GR

The opposition’s proposal for a vote of no confidence in the Greek government over the management of the Tempe rail disaster has been dismissed after a 141-159 vote in favor of Mitsotakis’ party.

With the end of a three-day debate in parliament today – which ended an hour and a half later than scheduled – Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis struck back at the opposition, saying their motion was “unacceptable” and “inappropriate” and denigrating their “brutal attempt” to leverage the widespread grief felt after the February 28, 2023 Tempe train crash, which he claims went way beyond the families of the 57 dead and the hundreds of injured passengers.

Mitsotakis’ Response to Government Opposition Claims

“They tried to turn grief into a party banner” Mitsotakis said about the opposition. About the incident itself, which opposition speakers called a “crime”, Mitsotakis claimed it was the moment where the state’s longstanding structural inadequacies met with human error.

Speaking about the article in the Sunday newspaper To Vima, which led to socialist PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis tabling the no-confidence motion, Mitsotakis said it was misleading, and that the events it detailed – a supposed flurry of communications that highlighted the stationmaster’s responsibility for the crash – had been reported a long time ago by state TV ERT and that his government had no involvement.

The frontpage story cited doctored tapes leaked to the press immediately after the horrific train crash.

“It is legitimate for businesspeople and publishers to want to influence politics. Some have been elected President, or Prime Minister. Let them get into the arena themselves and not by proxy,” Mitsotakis said, implying that Androulakis had foreknowledge of the Sunday paper’s article. It is standard journalistic practice, he said, to call authorities ahead of publication and ask for their reaction. But this time, it was the opposition that was contacted.

Poking fun at his opponents, the prime minister argued the real creator of the motion – not present during his speech – was far-right Greek Solution party leader Kyriakos Velopoulos “whose conspiracy theories you have adopted.”

He commented on one of the theories at length – that authorities filled in the site to conceal the evidence. He said the decision to fill in the ground under the train was taken by rescue crews so they could lift the train and gain access to the bodies laying beneath it.

Addressing the accusation that the government is protecting then-transport minister Kostas Karamanlis, Mitsotakis came back saying that the opposition are welcome to indict Karamanlis on specific charges and that the parliament would decide whether to send the case to judicial authorities.

He also said that amendments to the law on ministerial responsibility had made it more difficult to dismiss such cases by invoking the statute of limitations. It is still true, however, that prosecuting a minister remains a long and complex process that is highly unlikely to succeed.

Amid the ongoing debate over the no-confidence vote, minister of state Stavros Papastavrou and deputy minister to the prime minister Yannis Bratakos handed in their resignations.

The prime minister reportedly thanked them for their service and accepted their resignations.

It has also been announced that the prime minister will now not be traveling to Washington in April due to conflicting obligations, having been expected to make his way to the US capital to attend an event at the White House commemorating the anniversary of the Greek revolution of 1821.

“The Prime Minister will not travel for the event in the US. This is not customary anyway. There was an attempt to organize a visit, but as the dates do not combine, considering that New Democracy’s conference is starting at which he should be present, it was not possible for him to go to this celebration,” government spokesperson Marinakis said.

Adding, “However, this does not change the fact that the relations between Greece and the US are at the best possible level”.

5 Finance Tips from Ancient Greek and Roman Philosophers

Finance tips from ancient Greek and Roman philosophers.
Finance tips from ancient Greek and Roman philosophers. Credit: 401(K) 2013. CC BY 2.0/flickr

The opinions and advice of ancient Greek and Roman philosophers were much sought after, whether about learning, debating, biology, physics or dialectics, but one thing that is perhaps undersold, is the great advice on finance they were able to give.

Earning, lending, borrowing, spending; money management and the wider goals of financial literacy are a minefield, and there is plenty of advice out there given by today’s experts in the stock market or banking industries, but financial management is something ancient Greek and Roman philosophers thought about too.

From Epictetus to Plato, nearly every ancient philosopher has at least some financial advice to give, and many of their suggestions are still useful and relevant today. In that light, here are five pieces of fantastic financial advice from ancient Greek and Roman philosophers.

Finance Tips from Ancient Greek and Roman Philosophers

1. The ability to control desires, written about in the Enchiridion of Epictetus

Epictetus's Enchiridion.
Epictetus’s Enchiridion. Credit: University of Glasgow Library. CC BY 2.0/flickr

One could do worse than leafing through the pages of Enchiridion – a collection of teachings from ancient Greek philosopher Epictetus – if they are looking for sound advice on finance.
Epictetus believed that true wealth lies not in material possessions, but within ‘us’, and can be discovered if we learn to identify what is in our control and what is not.

The central point being made can still be applied to the managing of finances, in that it can teach us not to concern ourselves withy external factors like market fluctuations or economic crises, and instead focus our attention on wat lies within our own choices.

A key piece of financial advice which can be derived from Epictetus‘ teachings is that one should ‘cultivate a mind of frugality’, reminding us that true happiness is not found in a world preoccupied with consumption. Owning more and more ‘stuff’ does not make a person fulfilled, but learning to be grateful for the things one already has can bring about a greater joy.

Epictetus also dispenses the knowledge of caution, advising us to carefully assess our needs vs our wants before making any buying decisions. This is a great reminder not to impulse buy, and always keep a level head when spending.

According to Epictetus, we command our desires, thoughts and actions, and everything else is out of control.

2. Developing Your Own Financial Principles, as taken from Sophocles’ Antigone

Sophocles's Antigone Page.
Sophocles’s Antigone Page. Credit: College of William & Mary Law Library. CC BY 2.0/flickr

One of the central themes of Sophocles’ great play is that of duty, and responsibility. The audience sees the drama unfold through the eyes of the play’s namesake character – King Creon orders Antigone not to bury her brother Polynices, who he says is a traitor to the state, but she refuses.

Amid the struggle, Antigone state that her duty to her family is far greater than any man-made laws or decrees. This idea can remind us that in everyday life, money and material wealth can pull us away from the responsibilities and priorities that really matter.

This is a particularly poignant point because it goes against the general milieu of today’s societies, where money is central to everything – entertainment, media, commerce.

Another important theme in the ancient Greek playwright’s work is the eventual consequence of excessive pride and arrogance – pertinent to finance. Both king Creon’s and Antigone’s pride respectively, leads them to their disturbing ends. Creon’s hubris clouds his judgement of reason and logic, resulting in him making decisions driven by ego instead of rational thought.

In a similar way, Antigone’s ceaseless pride takes her down a path of self destruction. The moral message of this theme is clear: unchecked desires for wealth and power can cloud our judgement and better nature, leading us down destructive paths.

According to Sophocles, money is an instrument of exchange. When what we have is not enough, this leads to discouragement. Further, lots of people find themselves in a situation where they don’t even have the money to make ends meet, let alone chase their dreams, so saving in such a situation is very challenging.

This can be avoided by figuring out basic financial principles for yourself and sticking with them. For example, spend less than what you earn and keep a record of all expenses.

 

3. Learn the Principles of Wise Men According to Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

Meditations, by Marcus Aurelius.
Meditations, by Marcus Aurelius. Credit: Michael Graham Richard. CC BY 2.0/flickr

The Roman Emperor and philosopher Marcus Aurelius‘ work Meditations contains a litany of sound advice on finances that is worth heeding even today.

One of the emperor’s key concepts is the importance of developing discipline when it comes to money. He teaches us that the pursuit of excessive wealth typically leads to dissatisfaction because it always has us wanting more.

Instead, he emphasizes the importance of finding contentment by living within our means. Similarly to the previous two philosophers, Marcus Aurelius believes one should choose to focus on what really produces joy in life, rather than chasing material goods.

Marcus Aurelius also recommends frugality and simplicity, stating that when we practice moderation in our spending habits, burdens need not mount unnecessarily, nor is there any loss of stability in our lives. By spending money only on what we need, and not being wasteful, we can ease financial burden.

Further advice from Marcus Aurelius urges us to cultivate inner peace, so that we can detach ourselves from material wealth. He believed that people should assess their real needs against their shallow wants by taking time to reflect on what they truly value in life. By taking a course of action based on these values, a person can cease to be distracted by fads and trends.

The emperor also underscores ethical behavior in financial matters, highlighting the importance of handling business with integrity and honor.

4. Know Your Limits, as taught in Plato’s Republic

Plato's Republic.
Plato’s Republic. Credit: quinn.anya. CC BY 2.0/flickr

Although Plato’s seminal work is about the ideal state, it does capture a handful of important principles that can be interpreted as extremely useful financial advice.

Perhaps the most significant fraction involved in Plato’s idea of the ideal state is the notion of specialization and societal harmony. In the ancient Greek philosopher’s vision, individuals are specialized in specific roles defined by their natural abilities and aptitudes. This division of labor is essential to the efficient running of the community, and facilitates economic growth and prosperity.

From the perspective of finance, the Greek philosopher’s concept demonstrated the importance of ‘finding our true selves’ if we are to manage our finances effectively. It suggests we should aim to develop our skills in areas which we know we are already good in, rather than trying to improve on everything at once.

Understanding our limitations is the forerunner to making informed choices about whether to seek other people’s help or not, and it also helps when building relationships with other people who may complement the skillset you have.

A further key point in Plato’s Republic is that of moderation and temperance, where he warns us against excessive desires and advocates for a meaningful life balanced by both material wealth and spiritual fulfilment.

In terms of money, Plato advises throwing out extravagant luxuries driven solely by greed or the urge to impress. He argues that true wealth lies beyond material possessions.

5. Learn to Control Yourself as per Epicurus’ Letters

Epicurus.
Epicurus. Credit: mharrsch. CC BY-2.0/flickr

Epicurus, the ancient Greek philosopher who founded Epicureanism, devoted his life to indulging in and understanding pleasure, and how to achieve a peaceful life. In his famous Letters, penned to friends and disciples, he offered numerous wise words about making good decisions with finances without alienating fellow Greeks and losing focus on what really matters.

Again, Epicurus’ central message is that material excess is unimportant. He believed that owning too many possessions would bring about unnecessary levels of stress and anxiety. Instead, he advocated moderation in material needs, realistic limits and restraint when spending, and focus on what is truly important.

For Epicurus, wealth comes from having few needs, rather than owning many things.
At the center of the ancient Greek philosopher’s teachings is the importance of meaningful relationships, and he suggests people pursue relationships that rest on common values. With a close friend, money matters can be discussed openly and freely, without reprisal.

A further valuable nugget of advice on finance within the pages of the ancient Greek’s Letters revolves around investing wisely. According to Epicurus, investments did not solely pertain to monetary gains, but money spent on one’s health, education and personal growth.

Pierce Brosnan Endorses Aaron Taylor-Johnson for James Bond

Pierce Brosnan
Pierce Brosnan has endorsed Aaron Taylor-Johnson as the new Bond. Credit: Flickr / World Bank Photo Collection CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DEED

In the wake of Daniel Craig’s last appearance as James Bond, competition to fill the role has been on the rise, and former Bond actor, Pierce Brosnan, has endorsed one of the rumored contenders, Aaron Taylor-Johnson.

The Bond franchise is in need of a new leading man, and this gap in casting has sent British tabloid papers into a frenzy speculating about which lucky actor might become the new spy—with a lot of contradictory reports being written.

One of those supposedly in the running for the role is Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who has acted in Bullet Train, Kraven the Hunter, and Kick-Ass. Asked about the potential casting, former Bond actor Pierce Brosnan gave his views on seeing Aaron Taylor-Johnson as the next 007, essentially endorsing the 33-year old actor.

Pierce Brosnan on Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Bond

Aaron Taylor Johnson
Aaron Taylor Johnson. Credit: wikimedia commons / John Bauld CC BY 2.0

“I think the man has the chops, and the talent and the charisma to play Bond, very much so,” Brosnan said in an interview on The Ray D’Arcy Show on RTÉ Radio 1. While Brosnan’s approval doesn’t mean much in the end, it is perhaps something notable, and the veteran actor also offered some advice. “I would definitely tip my hat to the fellow. Be bold. Go out there and have a great time. Just love it. Just go for it,” he said.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson is touted as a strong contender for the Bond role, with previous franchise experience and of a suitable age, as the studio wants an actor in his thirties. However, the BBC dismissed rumors reported by The Sun when a source told it there was “no truth in the rumors.”

In the last three years since Craig announced his retirement from the role, there have been several names put forward for the next Bond film. Mark O’Connell, author of Catching Bullets: Memoirs of a Bond Fan, told the BBC after Craig’s departure: “A new Bond is not just a red-carpet suit and a timepiece endorsement arm. He must be a movie star, an ambassador for the series and cinema, a media diplomat, an anointed son of British culture and the face of a billion-dollar ecosystem of products and endorsements.”

O’Connell added, “He must be instantly recognizable across all corners of the globe as James Bond. He must be good looking, able to hold the camera and dominate cinema screens the size of football pitches.”

One of the better-known, more high-profile actors who has been touted to be the new Bond is Superman and Mission: Impossible actor Henry Cavill, who was believed to be in the running to play the spy before Craig got the job.

He told GQ in 2020 that he “would love to play Bond, [and] it would be very, very exciting.”
One of the youngest actors believed to be in with a shot is 32-year-old Damson Idris, best-known for his role in US TV crime drama Snowfall, which ran for six seasons between 2017 and 2023. He also took on the lead role in Netflix’s sci-fi action film Outside the Wire.

Athens Municipality Plans Monument Honoring Victims of Train Crash

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Athens municipal council will erect monument to Tempe train crash victims.
Athens Municipal Council will erect monument to Tempe train crash victims. Credit: AMNA

A decision has been made by the Athens Municipal Council to move ahead with the creation of a monument for the victims of the February 2023 Tempe train crash.

“More than a year after the tragedy, the Municipality of Athens, with respect for the people who were lost and their relatives, wishes to honor their memory,” said Mayor Haris Doukas. “We commit to the creation of a monument to honor the memory of our fellow human beings.”

Athens Train Crash Victims Monument

The location and the form of the monument for the Tempe train crash victims have yet to be determined. These will be decided by the municipality’s services in consultation with the association of the victims’ relatives. The crash took the lives of 57 people, while many more were left injured.

A memorial service was held last month at the site of the rail tragedy in Tempe to honor the 57 individuals who lost their lives on February 28, 2023. Relatives and friends gathered to pay their respects, leaving flowers at the scene as they called for justice.

“Justice will come as soon as those responsible are sent to prison,” the father of Panos Routsi, who lost his life in the train accident said. He blamed the authorities for covering up the evidence following the train collision.

The investigation is ongoing amidst bitterness and suspicion on the part of the families affected. The tears of those who lost their loved ones have dried, but the anger remains, still palpable. It has been a year, and not one official has taken responsibility for the accident. Not one apology has been uttered by official lips, whether it was from the State or Hellenic Train.

Young students make a human chain depicting the 57 victims of the Tempe disaster during a recent protest.
Young students make a human chain depicting the 57 victims of the Tempe disaster during a recent protest. Credit: AMNA

Churches across the country rang their bells 57 times on the memorial day to symbolize the number of lives lost. Many of the victims were young students returning home after a long weekend.

This gesture was made in response to a request from Maria Karystianou, representing the families of the victims, to the Holy Archdiocese of Athens and the Holy Metropolises of the Church of Greece.

Additionally, a monument dedicated to the memory of the train crash victims was unveiled in the city of Larissa about 215 miles (approximately 345 km) from Athens. Meanwhile, in the Parliament in Athens, lawmakers observed a moment of silence in honor of the victims.

Outside, protesters, including rail and hospital workers, seafarers, and school teachers, joined a 24-hour walkout organized by the country’s largest public-sector union, ADEDY, to commemorate the anniversary of the train crash.

Railway workers demanded those responsible for the accident be brought to justice. “Railway workers are the only ones who are not to blame for all that happened as they have been calling for the improvement in safety for years because they saw what was coming,” a statement by the Railway Workers Union said at the time.