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Eurybiades lifting up his staff as if he were going to strike, Themistocles said, “Strike, if you will; but hear”.
— Plutarch · Life of Themistocles
Behind the line May contain spoilers.
Our reading
An editorial interpretation.
Faced with a raised staff, Themistocles allows for a blow but insists on being heard. The brief response gives listening priority over the threat of force. It asks the other person to make room for words even at the moment when violence appears possible.
Context reviewed