Out of the blue I picked up an old book of mine and read the following two stories, which I decided to post for all our inspiration, and they are great stories to tell your children and discuss the obvious applications.


Dionysius, a man of strange and capricious temper, though of great abilities, became a general and won many battles for his countrymen. His lust for power led him to forcefully establish his power and control over the city in which he lived. This power was not according to the laws but he was an exceedingly able man and know one dared to attempt to overthrow him. He made the city much more rich and powerful. There is a famous anecdote told about a friend of Dionysius named Damocles, who was overheard saying he wished to be in Dionysius’s position of wealth and power for just a night. Dionysius decided to give him his wish and for one night Damocles found himself at a banquet with everything that could delight his senses; delicious food, costly wine, flowers, perfumes, music; but with a sword and its point almost touching the top of his head, and hanging by a single horsehair! This was to show the condition in which the usurper Dionysius lived!

Story from "The Book of Golden Deeds". - photo from the Internet