What The Heart Wants

Our fair lady Sappho looking a scary amount like Audrey Hepburn
in the posters for Breakfast at Tiffany's

Some an army of horsemen, some an army on foot
and some say a fleet of ships is the loveliest sight
on this dark earth; but I say it is what-
ever you desire: 

and it it possible to make this perfectly clear
to all; for the woman who far surpassed all others
in her beauty, Helen, left her husband --
the best of all men -- 

behind and sailed far away to Troy; she did not spare
a single thought for her child nor for her dear parents
but [the goddess of love] led her astray
[to desire...] 

[...which]
reminds me now of Anactoria
although far away, 

--Translated by Josephine Balmer

Of the samples of Sappho's writings I had the opportunity to read, this is the one that stood out most distinctly. I was so impacted by this poem because in it Sappho is presenting a very radical reinterpretation of what would have been a foundational myth for her contemporaries. Whereas the traditional interpretation of the Iliad glorified acts of war, Sappho chose instead to glorify a different kind of courageous act. Conventionally, courage was recognized in the bold actions of Achilles or Hector that demonstrated loyalty to their kings. Sappho points to the actions of Helen, pursuing loyally the desires of her heart no matter the cost, as the best example of behavior truly worthy of honor. 

The implications of this shift in valuation are interesting. For example, courage would no longer be the mean between acting with rashness or cowardice in the name of a worthy cause, but the boldness to act in obedience to one's desires, even when experiencing fear of negative consequences. Another substantial impact is the emphasis it places on self knowledge. To be loyal to one's heart, a person has to know what they want and why. This requires self examination, self awareness, and introspection. This sort of self knowledge is not emphasized when there is an ethical obligation to live one's life in service of their king, country, or gods. 

This admiration for honesty and unapologetic loyalty to one's own heart is definitely a refreshing viewpoint. I can't say that I sympathize with it, but it has definitely been interesting to entertain some of the logical conclusions that can be derived from such a perspective.