Discussion
Leonidas and Xerxes’ behaviors are different in that the former has a calm demeanor while the latter projects anxiety. Leonidas approaches Xerxes with confidence and optimism, evident in how he talks to him and responds to his threat. Leonidas does not seem appalled by Xerxes’ offers and takes him as a challenge. Xerxes projects dictatorship behavior coupled with cruelty and desire for power at all costs (Mortimer, 2012). He sees slavery as a form of leadership fueled by fear and inhumane treatment. Xerxes demonstrates psychotic tendencies and pathological lying capacity because even though he promises to give Leonidas influence in Europe, he does not intend on having him keep it. Both men have opposing conduct where Leonidas’ drive is to do the right thing and seek freedom for all while Xerxes is comfortable enslaving everyone without considering right or wrong.
The behavioral differences get influenced by sympathetic and parasympathetic systems through appealing to individual conscience and surroundings. People respond to situations distinctly because their automatic nervous system is wired to fight or free or remain calm (Benito-Gomez et al., 2019). Both men are in a life-threatening situation, but Leonidas chooses to remain calm because he believes freedom is a priority for his people. On the other hand, Xerxes knows that his opponent will not back down, and it stirs anxiety evident in how he responds to Leonidas’ determination. Leonidas decides to fight, knowing he has few men, while Xerxes feels cornered despite having thousands of slaves as an army. His behavior is a result of having one single thought, and that includes gaining power. Xerxes lacks a conscience, which compromises his ability to recognize defeat, thus responding with anger and anxiety.