This book is a collection of ten essays originally published in the early 20th-century Greek literary magazine Noumas. Ion Dragoumes uses the ancient story of Numa Pompilius—the peaceful, philosophical second king of Rome who preferred wisdom and religious law over war—as a lens. But he’s not just retelling history. Dragoumes takes Numa’s choice to step away from power and live simply as a powerful metaphor. He contrasts that ideal with the rapid industrialization, political upheaval, and cultural shifts happening in Greece and Europe during his own lifetime.

The Story

There isn't a plot in the traditional sense. Think of it as a series of connected conversations. Each essay is a 'study' (which is what 'Μελέται' means) on a different theme sparked by Numa’s example. Dragoumes writes about the soul of Greece, the value of tradition versus blind progress, the noise of the city versus the clarity of nature, and what it means to build a meaningful life when the world is pushing you to be constantly active and acquisitive. He’s arguing with the spirit of his age, using the quiet king as his ally.

Why You Should Read It

The magic of this book is how familiar Dragoumes’s worries feel. He was writing over a hundred years ago, but his questions about losing touch with our inner selves in a fast-paced world could be posted on a blog today. His prose isn't dry or academic; it’s personal and urgent. You get the sense of a man trying to figure things out on the page, wrestling with big ideas without easy answers. It’s less about ancient Rome and more about the timeless human struggle to find balance and authenticity.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect book for thoughtful readers who enjoy philosophy but hate stuffy textbooks. If you’ve ever read Thoreau’s Walden and wondered what a Mediterranean, early-20th-century perspective on similar themes might be, this is your answer. It’s also a fantastic pick for anyone interested in modern Greek intellectual history, as Dragoumes was a key figure. Don’t rush through it. Read an essay, sit with it, and let his questions bounce around in your own head. It’s a small book with a surprisingly loud echo.