Achilles' conundrum (glory or peace?)
 

So Achilles was given the option of a long life filled with happiness and peace where he would settle down with his family and not do or be anything extraordinary, or to go out in a blaze of glory, earning all manner of accolades in the process, but dying young. He chose the glory.

What would you choose, and why?

This is a hard decision for me, because while I do have some measure of motivation and drive and a thirst for making waves, I think there's nothing I want more than to live a peaceful life with my family. Plus Achilles was basically guaranteed a life of (and death by) violence, which isn't me. Discounting the violence, I might choose the glory, but I'd tend to fall on the side of a long, peaceful, nothing special life. I could be content.

My instincts initially told me to choose peace over glory. After a brief moment, I pondered about both scenarios, but eventually fell back upon peace and longevity. To be happy and solemn is essentially the only thing I strive for, and even though glory has an intoxicating sensation, it doesn't offer the same satiating feeling as happiness. I think it's much easier to find glory than it is to be content. You can be glorious for a moment and truly be on top of the world, yet it's meaningless if you're only happy during that moment and nothing more! Keeping peace for a lifetime is difficult, which is exactly what makes this route more rewarding.

It probably helped that Achilles was told that glory would mean having his name known for all time... and if you think about it, its been hundreds of years since Achilles was around, so that prophecy, at least, came true.

But all things considered, I don't think I need people to be talking about me more then 2 or 3 generations after my death. What use is pride and glory after death? I'd stick with peace and happiness throughout my life, at least then, I can die happy. :)

Cake or death?

Meh, I'd choose a long life of peace and happiness. What the fuck use is a glorious yet potentially painful death. Sure you're famous and that but you're also dead which is no fucking use at all.

I'm not much for fame and glory and a blaze of pride. Long-lived peace and happiness is the path for me. I'd rather be content with what I have for a long period of time than be like the moth that got too close to the light. I guess it really depends on your personality, because I really don't see the point in the second option, although it might be perfect for another person who really dislikes mundanity.

Happiness and peace would be my pick bar none. I am not very heroic in the first place (Unless I HAVE to be) and I love peace and quiet. Too much noise makes me think too much... and sometimes that causes me to become indecisive... which isn't good for someone having to make split decisions.

It's interesting how radically different modern society has brought us up as compared to ancient Greek/Roman culture. I think the majority of people in those cultures and times would choose glory. It was a big deal.

Maybe it's because we have it so much better in general? Or that having your name be big isn't that big a deal because we have so many celebrities nowadays? Hmm.

It's a tough decision. While the instant reaction is to say you want a life of peace and family, you can't deny that you wouldn't want to be known as a fierce, legendary warrior.

I'd probably choose peace, but like I said, it's always alittle alluring, the "dark side" of things I guess.

Blaze of glory here. Don't care to much about the glory or being remembered but extreme conditions are always more fun. better to die happy then live long wondering what you could have done.

A long, happy life with a family? I could certainly be content with that.