- There was a king named Croesus in ancient Greece who was so rich that the expression “rich as Croesus” is still used today to mean someone extremely wealthy.
- One day, a wise man Solon came to visit Croesus.
- When Solon didn’t show any surprise or admiration for his wealth, Croesus was offended.
- He desperately wanted Solon to acknowledge his wealth.
- So, he asked Solon if he had ever seen a man happier than Croesus.
- Solon mentioned a peasant who worked hard, raised a family, and was content with what he had before he died.
- Croesus was irked and, to build his argument, he mentioned his victories and claimed territories.
- Still unimpressed, Solon continued to give examples of people who had fulfilling lives and died really happy.
- Now irritated, Croesus asked point-blank why would Solon not consider him the happiest man on earth.
- To this, Solon replied: “We can’t call a man, alive still, to be the happiest because a man’s circumstances may suffer change. Only those who the divinity has guaranteed continued happiness until the end we may call happy.”
- Soon after Solon’s departure, tragedy befell Croesus.
- His oldest son died in a hunting accident and he was invaded by Emperor Cyrus.
- Croesus spent some time in prison and was later murdered.
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