Spartan women expected their husbands and sons to be brave in war. Hence the phrase, With your shield or on it. In other words: if victorious in battle, come back with your shield; if dead, be carried back home on your shield, but don’t come back having turned your back on the enemy, thus retreating as a coward.
How many men and boys today would be benefited if their mothers had the same convictions and strength as Spartan women? Such women do exist today, of course, and the Karate Institute of America applauds their strength, courage and ability in turning young boys into strong, courageous, fearless men who would rather die with honor than slink away in cowardice.
