We love ourselves notwithstanding our faults, and we ought to love our friends in like manner.
Cyrus the Great founded the Achaemenid Empire in the sixth century BC. Starting from Persis, he defeated the Medes, then conquered Lydia and Babylon, building what soon became the largest empire the world had yet seen, stretching across most of West Asia and much of Central Asia.
The Greeks admired him for tolerating the customs and religions of the peoples he conquered. In Judaism he is honoured for freeing the Jews from their Babylonian captivity and supporting the building of the Second Temple in Jerusalem; the Book of Isaiah calls him anointed, the only non-Jew given that honour. In modern Iran he remains a revered figure, and his tomb at Pasargadae draws millions.
The Greeks admired him for tolerating the customs and religions of the peoples he conquered. In Judaism he is honoured for freeing the Jews from their Babylonian captivity and supporting the building of the Second Temple in Jerusalem; the Book of Isaiah calls him anointed, the only non-Jew given that honour. In modern Iran he remains a revered figure, and his tomb at Pasargadae draws millions.
All men have their frailties; and whoever looks for a friend without imperfections, will never find what he seeks.
You cannot be buried in obscurity: you are exposed upon a grand theater to the view of the world. If your actions are upright and benevolent, be assured they will augment your power and happiness.