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About this quote

What does it mean?
Cavafy questions why people wait anxiously in the forum when the barbarians are arriving as expected.
In plain terms
Why are we scared in the square when the outsiders are just coming today?
What can you take from it?
Accept inevitable change without unnecessary panic.

Where it applies

  • political unrest
  • social upheaval

Putting it to work

  • prepare for inevitable events

Questions to consider

  • Why do we fear change?
  • When is anxiety useful?

Another view

Sometimes waiting is necessary for strategic preparation.

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