A Man of Values

“Try not to become a man of success. Rather become a man of value.” 

- Albert Einstein

          Aeneas was retelling the events that happened which led to the fall of Troy starting from that night of the banquet where the Trojans were celebrating for their victory, but had no idea that it will also be the night of their defeat. When the Trojans were in their deep sleep in the middle of the night, the Greeks attacked them. The wooden horse which they thought was a peace offering was really a trap, a massive trap from the Greeks. The wooden horse contains the greatest warriors of the Greeks while the others were just waiting outside the frontier of Troy's walls. Countless Trojans died in the battle, most of them were hurt, and those who were left in Troy became slaves. The fall of Troy was really a very upsetting event for the Trojans. Aeneas, knowing that fighting back from the Greeks will not be a wise decision, flew from Troy simultaneously with the other Trojans. 

          When I read the part where Aeneas was narrating his experiences to Dido about the fall of Troy, my sympathy sank with his story. I could sense that he was really in deep sorrow but then he is trying his best to move on and focus on more essential stuffs. I feel sympathy for him, though we all know that he is certainly a brave warrior and an unconquerable hero. But to feel powerless and worthless while seeing someone so close to you, is eventually dying and you can't do anything at all to save him.

          He is indeed destined to found Rome himself. When I read that part, I was so pleased. All of the dreadful things that Aeneas experienced will bear good ones because it will make him stronger. Maybe it is really meant to be a tragic way for victory to come to him. He is indeed the founder of Rome but before that he ran into such obstacles and challenges. He lost a lot of his men and also his loved ones. He sacrificed his free will. He led his men into such journeys and battles. I know he felt a very intense pain in his heart but he still kept on moving forward even if it hurts him sometimes and I salute him for that.