Sent to Rome to Win His Freedom, He Urged the Senate to Refuse

In 255 BC, after Rome lost a battle in North Africa, Carthage captured the consul Marcus Atilius Regulus. Later, Carthage sent him to Rome to argue for a prisoner exchange. He was allowed to go on the condition that he would return if the Senate rejected the deal. Regulus urged the Senate to refuse. As the story is recorded by Roman writers, he argued that the exchange would benefit Carthage more than Rome: the Carthaginian commanders were still in their prime, while the Roman prisoners, including him, were older and less useful. The Senate followed his advice. Though his family and friends begged him to stay, Regulus kept his word and returned to Carthage. There is room to question how much of the story was polished over time. Our accounts come from Roman writers, including Cicero and Horace, who lived centuries later. Still, the tale endured for a reason. To me, the lesson is simple: a promise is only truly tested when keeping it costs something. In your experience—in business, family, work or church—is someone's word still real collateral in Nigeria, or has it become a formality people no longer expect to mean anything?

Use The App To Win ₦1m

Stories are shared by community members. This article does not represent the official view of NaijaWorld — the author is solely responsible for its content.