Ecbert was King of Wessex in the early 9th century.
He defeated his neighbors, Mercia and Northumbria, and was (for a while, at least) the wide-ruler—bretwalda—of the Anglo-Saxon lands.
Unifying this part of England gave Ecbert the strength to fight off the Vikings. (For a while, at least.)
Ecbert is also a character in the show Vikings, which is where this upcoming quote comes from. (Yes, I know the quote is actually from one of the show’s writers. But it’s fun to play pretend.)
In the show, there’s a scene where Ecbert is drinking with his grandson, Alfred. The kid is clearly feeling sick, but Ecbert convinces him to keep drinking. Until the kid throws up and literally can’t keep more down.
And Ecbert says:
“Now, you keep saying you understand, but you obviously don’t. I’ve just been drinking water all this time, while you were drinking the wine. Don’t ever let yourself be influenced by other people. Especially people like me. Always, always think your own thoughts. And act on them!”
Thank you, Ecbert (and writer of Ecbert’s dialogue).
Most of us are conditioned to please others and obey authority. Knowing who you are and what you want in the face of this pressure takes real strength of character. Cultivate it.
*
Love,
L