History

The Spartan lifestyle was devoid of vibrancy and pleasure that the Athenian society enjoyed or the socio-cultural diversity evident in many Athenian towns and cities. The straitjacket life they led preserved their culture and prevented society from adopting negative socio-cultural and political influences rampant in Athens.  Spartans believed that without strict rules to control society, human nature gravitates towards vice. Athenians embraced the joys of life and encouraged their citizenry to exploit their potential by interacting with other nations. Unlike Sparta, the political dispensation was democratic and all adult males had the right to vote. Regarding personal rights and liberties, Sparta accorded their citizens, especially women and slaves, more rights than the Athenians. Despite this, living in Athens was more desirable than life in Sparta.

In an effort to keep their society free from undesired influences, the Spartans discouraged international trade. The economy was self-sustaining with society producing what they needed and surviving without goods, they could not produce ( HYPERLINK httpen.wikipedia.orgwikiVictor_Ehrenberg o Victor Ehrenberg Ehrenberg, 2004). Athens was a cosmopolitan state that thrived on international trade and commerce. Traders landed in the country with merchandise that was locally unavailable and traded them for Athenian goods. This interaction had a modernizing effect on the Athenian society and exposed them to foreign influences that resulted in cultural diversity.  Rather than stagnate as the Spartans did, Athenians grew wealthy and increased their worldly knowledge.

Spartans believed in the concept of a Philosopher King as opposed to democratic principles practiced in Athens. The ruling class in Sparta was composed of an elite group well schooled in the art of governance and military skills. Other citizens were excluded from participating in government owing to their inferior status. Athens had a participatory government that held periodic elections for leadership positions (Rhodes, 2004). Despite this democratic ideal, the vote was limited to male adults while women and slaves had no property or movement rights.

Spartans denied themselves the pleasures of life and eschewed any form of comfort. Fine clothes, expensive jewelry, good food and lavish parties which were common in Athens, were conspicuously absent in Sparta. Instead, the Spartans placed undue emphasis on developing their military prowess and war preparedness to the exclusion of all human activities ( HYPERLINK httpen.wikipedia.orgwikiVictor_Ehrenberg o Victor Ehrenberg Ehrenberg, V.(2004). Intellectual development and the search for new knowledge occupied the minds of Athenian intelligentsia. Frequent debates held in social places allowed people to exchange ideas and develop new theories aimed at resolving the challenges facing their society. This freedom to think was responsible for the emergence of great thinkers out of Greece.

A major difference between Sparta and Athens was in their treatment of women and slaves. Athenians denied both categories basic human rights like the freedom of movement, freedom of association and the right to property. Slaves were in perpetual bondage and had no option of buying their freedom.  Spartans society accorded every person, both free and slave, their due respect. Women were free to socialize and own property while slaves could buy back their freedom.  There existed greater harmony in their society because of this factor.

In conclusion, the Athenian state was a pleasant place to live because of the freedoms that prevailed there. Athenians broadened their worldly perspectives, acquired new products, became culturally diverse, and grew extremely wealthy because of international trade.  Democratic policies allowed for greater political participation in Athens than in Sparta, which to an extent, created a more just society. Spartan laws deprived the citizenry of this opportunity to develop culturally and economically. Pursuing a Spartan lifestyle involved making many sacrifices, which to most people is unbearable. Irrespective of their better human rights record, Sparta must have been a dull and uninspiring state to live in.