The Golden Tripod Page #2

"The Golden Tripod" by James Baldwin is a thought-provoking exploration of identity, culture, and the quest for belonging. Through intricate storytelling and rich character development, Baldwin delves into the complexities of race, sexuality, and social dynamics in mid-20th century America. The narrative weaves personal struggles with broader societal issues, offering a poignant and eloquent reflection on the human experience. Baldwin's lyrical prose invites readers to confront the intricacies of life and the search for self amid external challenges.

• Short story

								


"We hope that you are the man," said the messengers.

"Ha! ha I" laughed Periander. "Do I look like the wisest of the wise?
No, indeed. But in Lacedaemon [Footnote: Lacedaemon (pro. las e
de'mon).] there is a good and noble man named Chilon.[Footnote: Chilon
(pro. ki'lon).] He loves his country, he loves his fellow men, he
loves learning. To my mind he deserves the golden prize. I bid you
carry it to him."

VI

The messengers were surprised. They had never heard of Chilon, for his
name was hardly known outside of his own country. But when they came
into Lacedaemon, they heard his praises on every side.

They learned that Chilon was a very quiet man, that he never spoke
about himself, and that he spent all his time in trying to make his
country great and strong and happy.

Chilon was so busy that the messengers had to wait several days before
they could see him. At last they were allowed to go before him and
state their business.

"We have here a very beautiful tripod," they said. "The oracle at
Delphi has ordered that it shall be given to the wisest of wise men,
and for that reason we have brought it to you."

"You have made a mistake," said Chilon. "Over in Athens [Footnote:
Ath'ens.] there is a very wise man whose name is Solon. [Footnote:
So'lon.] He is a poet, a soldier, and a lawmaker. He is my worst enemy,
and yet I admire him as the wisest man in the world. It is to him that
you should have taken the tripod."

VII

The messengers made due haste to carry the golden prize to Athens.
They had no trouble in finding Solon. He was the chief ruler of that
great city.

All the people whom they saw spoke in praise of his wisdom.

When they told him their errand he was silent for a little while; then
he said:--

"I have never thought of myself as a wise man, and therefore the prize
is not for me. But I know of at least six men who are famous for their
wisdom, and one of them must be the wisest of the wise."

"Who are they?" asked the messengers.

"Their names are Thales, Bias, Pittacus, Cleobulus, Periander, and
Chilon," answered Solon.

"We have offered the prize to each one of them," said the messengers,
"and each one has refused it."

"Then there is only one other thing to be done," said Solon. "Carry
it to Delphi and leave it there in the Temple of Apollo; for Apollo
is the fountain of wisdom, the wisest of the wise."

And this the messengers did.

The famous men of whom I have told you in this story are commonly
called the Seven Wise Men of Greece. They lived more than two thousand
years ago, and each one helped to make his country famous.
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