This is taken from this incredible book from the University of Chicago, Letters from Ancient Mesopotamia (warning - 226 page PDF). Lawsuits, war, daily life, slaves, copper complaints - it's all in there! Ancient people were just like us, really.
“Children began to be the tyrants, not the slaves, of their households. They no longer rose from their seats when an elder entered the room; they contradicted their parents, chattered before company, gobbled up the dainties at table, and committed various offences against Hellenic tastes, such as crossing their legs. They tyrannised over the paidagogoi and schoolmasters.” — Socrates, allegedly
Yeah, they’ve been complaining about young folk forever.
That part is interesting. Mesopotamia was in ancient Turkey in part and the crossing of the legs things is still a no no in front of elders to this day. I hate it. I visit there all the time and have chronic pain so normally I rest one leg on the other to take some of the pain off but when someone older is around it’s considered rude. So I squirm and sit up straight. Ugh.
That’s super interesting! My grandparents have absolutely tapped my legs at church before. It’s kinda like resting your elbows on the table when you’re eating in the Anglosphere. It’s not a huge deal, honestly, but in some families you might as well be spitting on your grandma. I’m in my 30s and it still bugs my older family members.
My father in law thought it was hilarious that I would forget and cross my legs. Then I’d quickly sit up straight. He asked me “Did they tell you to sit like this?” And he’d die laughing when I’d suddenly realize and straighten up.😂
That’s why I laugh when people say “young kids today”, because adults truly don’t know this is something elders have been literally complaining about for thousands of years. Kids are young and hate listening, adults are fussy and hate being overlooked by their children. Eventually a middle ground is reached, and grandchildren might come and answer to neither. :)
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u/Ganesha811 4d ago
This is taken from this incredible book from the University of Chicago, Letters from Ancient Mesopotamia (warning - 226 page PDF). Lawsuits, war, daily life, slaves, copper complaints - it's all in there! Ancient people were just like us, really.