Thousands of able-bodied young Greek men are tied to military service, which prevents them from working in the fields or factories. Even after completing their term, many are too unfit for productive labor. Military service also tempts some sons of wealthy families to waste their opportunities, often harming their future success.
Opportunities in Greece are very limited. Educated young men must either work for the government or join the army to find employment. Unfortunately, both options offer little promise. Government jobs are uncertain and often unprofitable. In the army, there are far more officers than needed, leaving many with nothing meaningful to do. Instead, these officers spend much of their time in coffee-houses or in unproductive habits.
In Athens and other Greek cities, streets are crowded with men in uniform. In cafés and public spaces, at least one-third—and sometimes more than half—of the men present wear the uniform of high-ranking officers. It has been said that there is one officer for every three privates in the Greek army. In Athens, this ratio appears accurate, though it may be smaller in other parts of the country Greek Citizenship and Military Obligations.
Wealthy Greeks Supporting Public Institutions
Many public institutions in Athens were created and funded by Greeks who made fortunes abroad. Others left significant legacies to the government. While such philanthropy occasionally happens in the United States, it is rare elsewhere.
Some Greeks have left money to help pay off the national debt. One notable man, fearing that his money might be misused, instructed his executors to buy a certain amount of government bonds and then burn them in the presence of a special committee. This unusual act ensured that his contribution directly benefited the nation.
Generosity Through Property
Greek benefactors have also gifted property to the government. For example, a man once left two hotels to the Greek state. These hotels are located on the Place de la Concorde and provide rental income that goes directly into the public treasury. Such donations show the strong connection many Greeks feel to their homeland, even after earning their wealth abroad.
The Impact on Greek Society
The combination of excessive military service and limited opportunities has significant social consequences. Young men are distracted from productive work, while society bears the burden of supporting a large, largely idle officer class. At the same time, the generosity of wealthy Greeks abroad helps maintain public institutions and contributes to the country’s financial stability. These contrasting realities reflect both the challenges and the strengths of Greek society today Private Balkan Tours.
