There’s a motif in Homer that one finds repeatedly – it is honourable to show kindness to the wanderer, noble to greet strangers with an open palm. This is the code of the free spirit, of the warrior. To fail to show kindness and generosity to a traveller is to lapse into dishonour. By living like a bug, hostile to strangers, and fearful that every passing footstep may spell doom, one not only renounces honour, joy and courage, but humanity itself.

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