Rubio’s Speech at the Acropolis: An In-Depth Reflection

Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent speech at the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, stands out as a significant moment, especially in today’s world where ideological catchphrases and fleeting attention spans often dominate discourse. This address is not just a testament to his intellectual capability but also to the passionate analysis of current global dynamics—though it may spark some debate.

Rubio’s address intertwines an impressive grasp of knowledge and impassioned oratory with a thoughtful, albeit somewhat controversial, perspective on today’s international landscape. At its core, it grapples with the essential virtues and principles that have underpinned Western civilization since its Greek origins.

Critics have pointed out a key assumption in his speech: spiritedness, or passion, must be tempered by practical reason. And while his address touches the biblical influences shaping the heart and soul of the West, it may seem to overlook the nuanced tensions—though not irreconcilable—between Athens and Jerusalem, and the balance between magnanimity and humility, which have historically enriched Western civilization.

However, a closer look at Rubio’s October 7 speech reveals a recognition that both foundational aspects must coexist if one is to thrive in today’s context.

William Galston, in the Wall Street Journal, argued that Rubio’s remarks merit serious consideration, although he seemed to mischaracterize them as pure “pagan nationalism.” In his critique, he draws parallels to historical lessons from Thucydides regarding the pitfalls of hubris, referencing events like the disastrous Syracusan Expedition and the Athenian arrogance during the Melian Dialogue.

Indeed, reflecting on Thucydidean lessons holds much wisdom. Yet, commentators like Galston may mistakenly equate Rubio with figures like Alcibiades, who is often seen as capricious. It’s more insightful to evaluate Rubio’s thoughts on their own merits.

As noted by Paul Seaton in the Catholic World Report, Rubio’s reflections, while thought-provoking, serve a practical purpose while offering a deeper look at classical Greece’s influence on Western ideals. His emphasis on the Greek roots of democratic principles, while partially justified, neglects to address the Federalist authors’ concerns regarding Greek democracy—often teetering between chaos and tyranny.

Additionally, Rubio speaks to a wider European audience, particularly Western Europeans, who seem to lack what philosopher Pierre Manent described as “the instinct for political existence.” This perhaps explains his strong defense of power politics amidst a landscape where contemporary Europeans often believe in rights existing without corresponding responsibilities or national self-respect.

In this context, Rubio correctly underscores the vital role of thumos, or spiritedness, in both personal virtue and national character. He argues convincingly against the trend of excessive Western guilt and self-doubt, urging a rejection of the outsourcing of sovereignty to global entities beyond our control.

However, when he praises the Greek principles contributing to civilization, he somewhat overstates their positive attributes. The agonistic nature he describes—marked by individuality, ambition, and a quest for glory—while valuable, can lead to challenges, especially in times of political despotism, as noted by Tocqueville. These Greek virtues might seem admirable but can also provoke excessive ambition without moderation.

Rubio’s vision misses the nuances of balancing ambition with restraint, and civic virtues must resonate with moral agency rather than be driven by mere spiritedness.

His acknowledgment of a “common anthropology” justly highlights the Western tradition of natural law, truth, and virtue. The most esteemed philosophers from the Greek and Roman eras taught the importance of this balance. Ultimately, as Rubio suggests, greatness and the recognition of limits must coexist harmoniously.

In today’s somewhat dreary climate, Rubio aptly invokes the importance of thumos—passion and courage—elements he describes as essential to living a civilized life. Still, critics have rightly pointed out that pure spiritedness requires the guidance of practical reason, a theme well-emphasized by Aristotle.

While the ideals of Homeric heroes should inspire us, Rubio suggests we can’t merely replicate them within our own society, framed by the teachings of Socrates and Jesus. Cicero too underlined the necessity of spirited defense of civilization’s core values, but he reminds us that the strength of body should always be complemented by the strength of the mind, articulating that true heroism is built on decency and respect for natural law.

Regardless of the challenges to his views on national power, which could blur the line between using power as a means versus an end, Rubio’s speech poses fundamental questions regarding the essence of Western civilization—timely inquiries that citizens and leaders alike should engage with thoughtfully. And there is perhaps no more appropriate stage for such discourse than Athens, a city synonymous with much of what the West holds dear.

In challenging us to reflect further, Rubio sets the stage for a vital civic dialogue, one that could enrich a free and spirited society.