Should greed garner sympathy?

King Midas was wise to a certain degree and stupid in many others. He took in Seilenus because he knew that Dionysus favoured Seilenus and by taking him in Midas may gain a wonderful gift from Dionysus by taking care of his friend. When Dionysus is reunited with his friend he promises Midas anything he wants – this is where his wise thinking takes a turn to the greedy and stupid side. He, in his greed, requests to have the magic golden touch. He can’t eat, he can’t drink – he can’t touch anything with his skin. Distraught he pleads to Dionysus and Dionysus takes pity on Midas and tells him how to rid himself of the golden touch and he commits the action, finally able to continue living his life but should his stupidity, should his greed, have garnered sympathy?

In my opinion, no it shouldn’t have. Dionysus promised Midas anything he wanted, he could have asked for anything in the world but he let his greed overshadow his sense and therefore was ‘cursed’ with the golden touch. Dionysus shouldn’t have let him revoke the wish, shouldn’t have given him the cure, as it was Midas’ fault to begin with. He was greedy, not kind to his people or his loved ones by wishing for something that would benefit all. His greed, his lack of foresight, left him hungry and thirsty, left him yearning for human contact that he couldn’t have. All of this because he was foolish.

While I condemn him for his faults I also have to bring to light the fact that most people, most human beings, are inherently greedy and many may ask for a similar wish. Midas was just doing what his nature prompted him to do. I can’t say for certain that my first thought wouldn’t stray to money; it is just part of our society. Not many humans can say that if they were given the chance to ask for anything that their first thought would not center on money – Midas just chose his own personal monetary wish with little foresight. This myth teaches us to be wise, to think before we act, and to not be greedy as it can backfire on you. It teaches a valuable lesson that must be remembered especially in a monetary driven society.