The 'Culture War' Done Right - Alexander the Great

Whenever there is a perceived political movement happening, those that are in opposition quickly stop politics from being the focus of the movement. Almost immediately detractors will say that the change being advocated for is not one of politics at all, but of a societal/cultural shift - one that will not only eventually transform the politics of the day, but, more importantly, advance the culture in a direction not amenable to the critics.

When Alexander III of Macedon (Alexander the Great) conquered Persia he brought the Greek culture with him. There are reports that he had a battalion whose only job was to teach Greek culture to the societies he defeated. Many historians report this as a negative but fail to teach that Alexander also adopted the cultures of the conquered lands, allowed their customs to continue, and would even wear their clothing and marry their women. He encouraged his soldiers to marry local women as well to combine the Greek and Persian cultures into one. In doing so Alexander created what is known as the Hellenistic Age in which Greek culture was mixed with the cultures of the lands he conquered.

By adopting, and more importantly, allowing the cultures of the lands Alexander conquered to continue and thrive, a relative peace was established and trade flourished throughout this period. Many of the thriving Roman cities mentioned in the New Testament were born out of Alexander’s deeds including Antioch. Alexander appeared to be a leader who could separate the ruling class from the “common man.” It is likely he understood that politics is downstream from culture, and that after conquering an enemy, doing anything to interfere too harshly with the lives of the people in that society would bring discord. Alexander had a stake in the stability of his lands. He was now their ruler and in actuality “owned” all of the property he acquired through battle.

However, in today’s world, the idea that “leaders” have a stake in not only the land they are elected to manage, but the happiness of the people over which they rule is patently absurd. Although many may serve 30-40 years, they have not conquered the land; it is not theirs to own. They should be viewed as mere renters compared to Alexander’s adoption of ownership over his kingdom. As Hans-Hermann Hoppe masterfully details in, “Democracy: The God That Failed,” kings have ownership over their kingdoms and, therefore, have a stake in preserving it to pass down to their posterity; whereas, American politicians should be seen as nothing more than temporary tenants who desire election to loot the land of as much wealth as they can steal from the people.

In order to successfully “pillage” the people, politicians concoct the perfect distraction of stoking culture wars between the people, thereby getting them fighting against each other. While a citizen is looking upon his neighbor who he believes - or knows - is desirous of him being relieved of his firearms by the State, the politician is funneling money to a “friendly” corporation by means of stimulus that they know will make its way back to their campaign. Simple sleight of hand that unfortunately can end in violence between neighbors, or one siccing the State goons on the other. Perhaps one day the populace will see through politicians’ wiles and see that they have more in common with someone who lives on their street than with a megalomaniac 3,000 miles away. Let’s hope a Civil War can be avoided in the meantime.