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Article THE CONSTITUTION OF THE ATHENIANS. ← Page 2 of 5 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Constitution Of The Athenians.
Men are astonished to see , that every where , the republic of Athens lavishes it ' s favors on the popular party , the indigent , and intriguing , rather than on those men who are esteemed for their virtues : it is evident nevertheless , that in doing so , they insure the success of democracy ; for when their chiefs , the rabble , and the desperate prosper , their numbers augment , and form the firmest support of democratic-government ; but if the popular party suffer
the rich and well-intentioned to prevail , they thereby support the faction which opposes them . For throughout the earth we shall discover , that the good and discerning amongst mankind have rejected a democratic government . It is amongst the most enli ghtened aud virtuous , that we shall always find the least injustice , and the most ardent zeal for
good actions . Cast your eyes on the most numerous class of" the people , there you will observe the most unbounded licentiousness , and all kinds of wickedness , for there is nothing excites to more horrid actions than poverty . The want of means hinders many of them from receiving any education , and compels them to remain in profound ignorance . For this reason it ought not to be permitted ( some perhaps will object to this ) that every one , indiscriminately , should harangue the people , and take part in their deliberations ; but should reserve that right to men . of talents , and who enjoy the reputation of being
virtuous citizens . The Athenians however take the better part , according to their constitution , in permitting violent men to harangue the people ; for if none but the virtuous were suffered to speak and influence in their deliberations , it would result to the advantage of that class of citizens , who are estimable , ancl to the detriment of the popular party . But in the present state of things , the most designing having it in his power to'make his motions in the
assembly of . the people , he knows thoroughly how to select , and propose that which will forward his designs and those of his accomplices . But how ( some will object ) can such a man tell what will be of advantage to him and the populace ? The'Athenians know wonderfully well , that the ignorance and assurance of a declaimer , and his attachment to popular prejudices , serves his views better , than the
justice , the prudence , and the opinions of the virtuous , which are diametrically opposite to his ; - Certainly such institutions do not procure to the Republic the best of administrations , but they are the likeliest means to ensure the safety of democracy ; for the wish of the multitude is not , that the Republic be a good government , and they themselves be subjects . They expect to be free and to be sovereigns ; it imports
little to them , that the legislature is bad ; and what you would regard as vicious in our laws , is precisely that which ensures , to the people a power , and liberty without controul . Is it a good government you desire ? search out the men whs possess the greatest talents , and personal merit , to frame the laws ,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Constitution Of The Athenians.
Men are astonished to see , that every where , the republic of Athens lavishes it ' s favors on the popular party , the indigent , and intriguing , rather than on those men who are esteemed for their virtues : it is evident nevertheless , that in doing so , they insure the success of democracy ; for when their chiefs , the rabble , and the desperate prosper , their numbers augment , and form the firmest support of democratic-government ; but if the popular party suffer
the rich and well-intentioned to prevail , they thereby support the faction which opposes them . For throughout the earth we shall discover , that the good and discerning amongst mankind have rejected a democratic government . It is amongst the most enli ghtened aud virtuous , that we shall always find the least injustice , and the most ardent zeal for
good actions . Cast your eyes on the most numerous class of" the people , there you will observe the most unbounded licentiousness , and all kinds of wickedness , for there is nothing excites to more horrid actions than poverty . The want of means hinders many of them from receiving any education , and compels them to remain in profound ignorance . For this reason it ought not to be permitted ( some perhaps will object to this ) that every one , indiscriminately , should harangue the people , and take part in their deliberations ; but should reserve that right to men . of talents , and who enjoy the reputation of being
virtuous citizens . The Athenians however take the better part , according to their constitution , in permitting violent men to harangue the people ; for if none but the virtuous were suffered to speak and influence in their deliberations , it would result to the advantage of that class of citizens , who are estimable , ancl to the detriment of the popular party . But in the present state of things , the most designing having it in his power to'make his motions in the
assembly of . the people , he knows thoroughly how to select , and propose that which will forward his designs and those of his accomplices . But how ( some will object ) can such a man tell what will be of advantage to him and the populace ? The'Athenians know wonderfully well , that the ignorance and assurance of a declaimer , and his attachment to popular prejudices , serves his views better , than the
justice , the prudence , and the opinions of the virtuous , which are diametrically opposite to his ; - Certainly such institutions do not procure to the Republic the best of administrations , but they are the likeliest means to ensure the safety of democracy ; for the wish of the multitude is not , that the Republic be a good government , and they themselves be subjects . They expect to be free and to be sovereigns ; it imports
little to them , that the legislature is bad ; and what you would regard as vicious in our laws , is precisely that which ensures , to the people a power , and liberty without controul . Is it a good government you desire ? search out the men whs possess the greatest talents , and personal merit , to frame the laws ,