Letter:Boat rage

Tuesday 04 June 1996 23:02 BST

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sir: I suspect that the earliest example of road rage is in fact that displayed by the Sumerian hero Gilgamesh, who predates Greek and Biblical offenders by hundreds of years.

Just before the famous account of the flood, we read that as he is walking down the road towards the sea, looking for eternal life, a young woman tells him he cannot go on. "Seized with anger", he snatches an axe and a dagger, rushes down and damages the boat.

After "talking it over" with the boatman, however, he calms down and agrees to build a replacement craft. Is this the earliest reference to road rage counselling and community service for offenders?

STEPHEN BAX

Department of Language Studies

Canterbury Christ Church College

Canterbury

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Letter:Boat rage

Join our commenting forum

Thank you for registering