Hammurabi was one of the Ancient World's most successful leaders. During his reign, Babylonia prospered and flourished in almost all the arts. It was a marvelous part in history. How did he organize this? The way that all countries do so: with laws. Not any laws however. Specific laws. Laws that some might consider harsh or unfair. These laws introduced and used the age old saying: "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth." He also specified the laws to almost everything. It was integrated into life. And the reason they were harsh? It was to keep control and stop people from doing something daft. It was motivational. Here is an example: "If a son strikes his father, his hand may be cut off" Doesn't make you want to slap your dad does it? And they weren't kidding with the "cut your hand off" business. They were serious. As harsh as this was, it worked. The motivation was an excellent. These days, its not as harsh. There was a case of fairness where it wasn't that good, but it's the thought that counts. Besides, as harsh and unfair as it was, it certainly decreased the crime level of Babylonia, and there was some peace in the world.
