Admiration vs. Practice

Centuries ago when the Olympic games were held in Athens, it is said that an old, feeble man once came late into the arena.  There were no longer any empty seats.  He passed the benches where the Athenians sat, and they laughed at him.

Then he passed by where the Spartans were sitting.  Immediately two men rose to their feet to offer the aged man their seat.  They had obviously been taught to show respect to their elders and were not hesitant to do so.

When the Athenians saw this gesture by the Spartans they began to cheer.

“Ah,” said the old man, “the Athenians admire what is right, but the Spartans practice it.”

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