Whenever man celebrates his autonomy with preposterous claims and fatal deeds, Athena is insulted.  Her punishment is never long in coming, and it is extreme.  Today, those who do not recognize her are not insolent heroes such as Ajax but the many numerous 'nobodies' Ajax despised. It is they who advance, haughty and blind, polluting the earth they tread.  While the heirs of Odysseus continue their silent dialogue with Athena.

Roberto Calasso, The Marriage of Cadmus and Harmony

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