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They [the Persians] are accustomed to deliberate on…

“They [the Persians] are accustomed to deliberate on matters of the highest moment when warm with wine; but whatever they in this situation may determine is again proposed to them on the morrow, in their cooler moments, by the person in whose house they had before assembled. If at this time also it…” quote by Herodotus
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“They [the Persians] are accustomed to deliberate on matters of the highest moment when warm with wine; but whatever they in this situation may determine is again proposed to them on the morrow, in their cooler moments, by the person in whose house they had before assembled. If at this time also it meet their approbation, it is executed; otherwise it is rejected. Whatever also they discuss when sober, is always a second time examined after they have been drinking.”

Herodotus

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Persians make decisions after drinking, then re‑evaluate sober, showing a two‑stage deliberation process.

In simple terms: They decide when drunk, then check sober.

Key Takeaway

Beware of decisions made under influence.

Themes

decisionmaking culture leadership

Mood

reflective critical

Type

historical analytical

When to use this quote

  • political negotiations
  • business meetings
  • legal judgments
  • personal choices

Key Concepts

cognitive bias social influence deliberation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does mood affect your choices?
  • Can you separate emotion from decision?
A Different Perspective

Reliance on alcohol may impair judgment; sober review may be too late.

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