In the Epic of Gilgamesh and the New York Times article “More Countries Adopt China’s Tactics on Currency”, there is a common theme of help your friend even if it is counterproductive to your own interests. In the New York Times Article, China is said to devalue their currency in order to help their trade partner the United States while affecting their own ability to import more. It is similar to the Epic Gilgamesh, where Enkidu went against being counter for Gilgamesh and instead help him instead which ultimately will lead to his death.
In the New York Times Article, the following is said “The Chinese press is filled with articles arguing that Americans do not appreciate China’s efforts on their behalf. While other nations’ currencies devalued against the dollar in the 2008 financial crisis, some economists note, the renminbi did not. And while Chinese exports may be artificially cheap, the effect has been to give American shoppers bargains at the expense of Chinese consumers.”
As noted on Tablet 7, “’Because they killed the Bull of Heaven and have also slain Humbaba, the one of them who pulled up the Cedar of the Mountain must die!’ Enlil said: ‘Let Enkidu die, but Gilgamesh must not die!’” (p.79, l.4-6).
Sources:
Damrosch, David and Pike, David L. 2009. Longman Anthology of World Literature The Ancient World, Vol. A 2nd Edition. “The Epic of Gilgamesh” p.56-97
Sanger, David E. and Wines, Michael 2010 “More Countries Adopt China’s Tactics on Currency” nytimes.com, October 3 http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/04/world/04currency.html?ref=europe
