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To: odds
Cyrus the Great & his declaration of Human Rights

Could you post an English text of the relevant portions? I was scrolling through "FarsiNet" looking at it when something blew up in the next room ... emergency dog walk, or Sheldon having a psychotic meltdown, or whatever.

90 posted on 04/10/2011 4:48:37 PM PDT by Tax-chick (If you believe, you will see the glory of God.)
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To: Tax-chick

Here is the more relevant parts:

“Now that I put the crown of kingdom of Iran, Babylon, and the nations of the four directions on the head with the help of (Ahura) Mazda, I announce that I will respect the traditions, customs and religions of the nations of my empire and never let any of my governors and subordinates look down on or insult them until I am alive. From now on, till (Ahura) Mazda grants me the kingdom favor, I will impose my monarchy on no nation. Each is free to accept it , and if any one of them rejects it , I never resolve on war to reign. Until I am the king of Iran, Babylon, and the nations of the four directions, I never let anyone oppress any others, and if it occurs , I will take his or her right back and penalize the oppressor. And until I am the monarch, I will never let anyone take possession of movable and landed properties of the others by force or without compensation. Until I am alive, I prevent unpaid, forced labor. To day, I announce that everyone is free to choose a religion. People are free to live in all regions and take up a job provided that they never violate other’s rights. No one could be penalized for his or her relatives’ faults. I prevent slavery and my governors and subordinates are obliged to prohibit exchanging men and women as slaves within their own ruling domains. Such a traditions should be exterminated the world over. I implore to (Ahura) Mazda to make me succeed in fulfilling my obligations to the nations of Iran (Persia), Babylon, and the ones of the four directions.” — http://www.farsinet.com/cyrus/

Another English translation: http://www.cyrusthegreat.net/id8.html


91 posted on 04/10/2011 11:03:53 PM PDT by odds
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