Politics

(for they must, just as by land, so also by sea, be both fearsome and able to rescue, not only for themselves but also for some of those nearby, just as by land, so also by sea); and concerning the multitude and the magnitude of this power, we must already consider with a view to the life of the city. For if it is to live a leading and political life, it is necessary for this power also to exist in a measure corresponding to its actions. But the excessive populousness that arises concerning the naval crowd does not need to exist in the cities; for they must be no part of the city. For the marine troop is free and of those who serve as infantry, which is sovereign and controls navigation; and if there exists a multitude of neighboring inhabitants and of those who farm the territory, there must also be an abundance of sailors. And we see this even now belonging to some, as for example to the city of the Heracleotes; for they fill many triremes, possessing in magnitude a city more moderate than others. Concerning, then, the territory and the harbors of the cities, and the sea, and concerning naval power, let it be defined in this manner; but concerning the political multitude, what limit ought to exist, we said before, and what sort they ought to be in nature, let us now say. Indeed, one would understand this, looking both at the well-reputed cities of the Greeks and at the whole inhabited world, as it is divided by nations. For the nations in cold places and those around Europe are full of spirit, but rather deficient in intellect and art, which is why they continue to be free, but are without political organization and unable to rule those nearby; but those around Asia are intellectual and artistic in soul, but lack spirit, which is why they continue being ruled and enslaved; but the nation of the Greeks, just as it holds a middle place in terms of locations, so also shares in both. For it is both spirited and intellectual; which is why it continues to be free, to conduct its public affairs best, and to be able to rule all, if it happens to obtain a single constitution. And the nations of the Greeks have the same difference in relation to one another; for some have a one-sided nature, while others are well-blended in relation to both these capacities. It is clear, then, that those who are to be easily led by the legislator toward virtue must be both intellectual and spirited in nature. For that which some say must belong to the guardians, namely to be friendly to those known but savage toward those unknown, it is the spirit that produces friendliness; for this is the power of the soul by which we love.