The “Sword of Damocles” is a moral tale that comes from the Roman scholar Cicero. Damocles was a servant to a fourth- and fifth-century king named Dionysius II.  Dionysius II was a miserable king who ruled his empire with a cold heart, making many enemies in the process. He was always afraid of being assassinated, and because of this, he surrounded his abode with a moat. He even went as far as to let only his daughters trim his beard. Once, a court servant and flatterer named Damocles annoyed the king with his compliments. Damocles told the king that he must have one of the most amazing and pleasurable lives. Frustrated with Damocles’s naivete, Dionysius II responded: “Since this life delights you, do you wish to taste it yourself and make a trial of my good fortune?” Of course, Damocles was astonished at the king’s response and immediately accepted his …