Themistocles

Every line we carry

Each one links to its source, what it means, and the shirt in any of our looks.

1. Strike me, but listen.

   Before the battle of Salamis, the Spartan commander raised his staff to hit Themistocles for pushing his plan. Themistocles said, strike, but hear me. His calm won the argument and the battle. Hold your ground and keep making the case.

   Plutarch, Life of Themistocles 11.3, our translation from the Greek

2. They whip the ones who start early. They don't crown the ones left behind.

   Told that at the games those who jump the start are flogged, Themistocles answered: yes, but those who are left behind are not crowned. Sometimes moving early is the only way to win. Timidity has its own penalty.

   Plutarch, Life of Themistocles 11.2, our translation from the Greek