When reading becomes a source of energy.

Xenophon’s Anabasis is full of evocative images and universal themes. The struggle for survival and the search for a homeland, in fact, have fueled the poetic imagination of many authors. The journey of Greek mercenaries through unknown lands is a powerful literary archetype that evokes a desire for exploration and discovery that could also be yours. The challenges that fuel the celebration of heroism and courage are recurring themes even in poetry. Even the experience of finding oneself isolated in a hostile territory and the strength of the bond that is created between companions are themes that resonate in the human soul. That “expedition to the interior”, which in Greek also means “march upwards”, can also be read as your inner journey, a search for yourself and your place in the world. Who knows if even T.S. Eliot found in the Anabasis a reference for his works? Many poets, such as Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley, have drawn inspiration from themes such as travel, heroism and the search for oneself. As digital artist Dastilige Nevante perceives, in the short poems that accompany this page, they may have seen a metaphor for the inner journey of the soul. PROMISED LAND – “Under dusty skies, a nameless hero, I chase a lost dream along a dusty road. Between dark valleys and rugged mountains, I fight to reach the sea. I will wait for the wind to push my boat towards hope.”

That seminal work of ancient literature, a classic that has captivated generations of readers, tells the story of those who find themselves deeply trapped in unfamiliar territory. Celebrated for the resilience of its protagonists and the leadership of one of their own, Anabasis is considered one of the greatest adventures in human history. Also known as The March of the Ten Thousand, it tells the story of an army of mercenaries hired by a powerful man. Led by their own countrymen, they march into Persia and achieve victory at the Battle of Cunaxa. They advance through hostile territory and reach the coast of the Black Sea. It was there, remember, that they shouted in relief “Thálatta! Thálatta!”, “The sea! The sea!” As you read that book, you’ll discover that being stranded in enemy territory and the role their leader Xenophon played in leading them in their retreat is much more intimately connected to you than you might think. SEEDS OF HOPE – “In every fall, seeds of hope rise again stronger within me. Sowers of life in a desert of illusions, they will flourish in my eternity.”

It is a work that will make you reflect on the human condition, the strength of the spirit and the beauty of storytelling. The Anabasis has become a symbol of determination and the ability to overcome adversity. It is not only a military account, but also a psychological analysis of the characters, an investigation into the values of leadership and an exploration of group dynamics in extreme situations. Considered a model of compelling and engaging storytelling, not only does the work offer a precious testimony on military life in ancient Greece and the Persian Empire. Beyond the adventurous story, in fact, it contains profound reflections on human nature, courage, justice and leadership. What are the main themes of the Anabasis? The struggle for survival in a hostile and unknown environment, the role of leadership in crisis situations, the strength of the bonds of friendship and solidarity, courage as an indispensable virtue for those who must face dangerous challenges and overcome their fears. FRAGMENTS OF SELF – “A labyrinth of sand, a distant shadow. Faded faces, echoes of past battles, hope like a candle. Every moment I lose a piece of myself, and yet, the desire to reach the sea forges the fire of adversity.”

Xenophon’s Anabasis offers lessons that can be applied to both your personal and professional life. The role of leadership in the workplace is of fundamental importance. A good leader is able to positively influence the behavior, motivation and performance of his or her collaborators, contributing to the overall success of the organization. He or she defines a clear vision for the organization, inspires and motivates collaborators to work towards a common goal and communicates clearly with them to build solid relationships. He or she knows how to make difficult decisions in a timely and responsible manner, delegates responsibilities to his or her collaborators, allowing them to develop their skills and feel more involved in the work. The honest, transparent and reliable leader manages conflicts constructively, is a role model for his or her collaborators. By motivating and inspiring them, a good leader must be able to understand the needs and perspectives of his or her collaborators. If you want to be a good leader, or collaborate and grow with him or her, you must be able to understand the importance of quick decisions, your emotions and those of others. FRAGMENTS – “Where the echoes are a lament, souls in turmoil, I remember a rippling sea that laps fields of barley. I search for a ray of sunshine; I march towards a point that illuminates the darkness of abandonment.”