Athens

Following the period of time in Athens during the 5th Century B.C when it was ruled by a radical, extreme democracy, the Athenian people voted to choose thirty men to rule as an oligarchy. The Athenians wanted to be governed by the ancient laws enacted by Solon and Cleisthenes, so these men were chosen by the people to frame the ancient laws into a constitution under which to conduct the government. However, the Thirty had their own agendas, ones that earned them the nickname The Thirty Tyrants of Athens. What did these so called Thirty Tyrants hope to achieve in Athens? Well, mainly they wanted total control over the Athenian people and its government, and to use this to their own advantages. After they were chosen, the Thirty delayed framing and publishing this constitution, the very thing that they were put in place to do. This was done for their own benefit, as since there was no constitution as yet, they could still make the rules up as they went along. However, they still appointed a Senate and Magistrates as they saw fit. This enabled them to appoint people they know would be loyal to them, and support anything they tried to do. The first step the Thirty took when voted to power in 404 B.C was to arrest all the people who by common knowledge had made a living during the time of the democracy by acting as informers and opposing the aristocrats. They were held with a sentence of death if found guilty. This pleased the Senate, as they were the aristocratic class that these people had opposed. They were happy to hand out guilty verdicts. The common people were not displeased because they knew that they were not part of this class. This enabled the Thirty to dispose of all the obvious troublemakers who would oppose them. The Thirty realized that to enable them to be free to make decisions on their behalf, they would also need a military force. Therefore, they sent two of their members, by the names...

Motivational Advice from Oscar-Winning Actors

Motivational Advice from Oscar-Winning Actors We have collected some nice motivational quotes from the most beloved Oscar-winning actors. The way to the big screen is a really hard way and most celebrities have achieved great success through dedication, sacrifice and hard work, learning wisdom on their way. Today they are going to share their wisdom with you. Its a wonderful metaphor, catching a wave, for how you can look at other challenges in your life. Jeff Bridges There is no life without hardships just like there is no sea without waves. Some people give up after facing a challenge, but they shouldnt. Sometimes waves knock you down but you should get up and move on. Only if you keep moving forward you can catch the wave and let it drift you. I think that when you dont see the boundaries, you cross them without even knowing they exist in the first place. Marion Cotillard The best way to push the boundaries is to forget about their existence. Boundaries are born in your mind and you are the only one who sets them. My life is the road, man. I need to keep moving. Matthew McConaughey Every individual has his own way on the road of life. So never stop moving forward, no matter how tough the road is. Don’t just aspire to make a living, aspire to make a difference. Denzel Washington The only way to achieve success is being an individual. Whatever you are doing, try to do it your own way. Making a living without feeling pleasure in your life and work will get you into nowhere. When you make a difference, you make your life more challenging but interesting and full of hopes. There are a lot of great movies that have won the Academy Award, and a lot of great movies that havent. You just do the best you can. Clint Eastwood What is the most important factor for success? Is it luck or hard work? Of course, luck is tricky: sometimes it is good, sometimes it is bad and we cannot engineer it. But we can come closer to doing so by applying our best efforts. In this industry, there are only two ways up the ladder. Rung by rung or claw your way to the top. Its sure been tough on my nails. Jack Nicholson Some people achieve success operating really tough while the others just move slowly but steadily. No matter how exactly you are acting, after you apply the best efforts, achievement is bound to come. So never give up and be tough when it is needed. Some are born great. Some achieve greatness. Some get it as a graduation gift. Robin Williams Some people are born with something special that others do not seem to have. It might be a look in their eyes or a great charisma: you either have it or you dont. However, there are people who know what to do to become great and they are continually trying to become better. Thus, what Robin Williams says, is that real greatness is a mixture of the two. When I was a little kid, I watched great people acting. You are the people wanted made me want to be an actor. Now Im proud to be an actor and Im gonna keep on acting. Whoopi Goldberg There are great people in the world - people who have inspired others by their achievements, values and attitudes. People who are the best at what they do are the greatest teachers. Watch them and learn from them and maybe someday you will inspire others as well. These powerful messages is something you can benefit from - realize your potential, do your best, set goals and achieve them. There are many ways to make your dreams come true, so keep these motivational advice in your mind and be a winner! Image credit: CNN Entertainment.