Pericles' Ideal of Democracy

Thucydides "The Peloponnesian Wars" | Thucydides

[Mihalis]

Our political system does not compete with with institutions which are elsewhere in force. We do not copy our neighbors, but try to be an example. Our administration favors the many instead of the few: this is why it is called a democracy. The laws afford equal justice to all alike in their private disputes, but we do not ignore the claims of excellence. When a citizen distinguishes himself, then he will be called to serve the state, in preference to others, not as a matter of privilege, but as a reward of merit; and poverty is no bar.

... The freedom we enjoy extends also to ordinary life; we are not suspicious of one another, and we do not nag our neighbor if he chooses to go his own way. ... But this freedom does not make us lawless. We are taught to respect the magistrates and the laws, and never to forget that we must protect the injured. And we are also taught to observe those unwritten laws whose sanction lies only in the universal feeling of what is right....

Our city is thrown open to the world; we never expel a foreigner.... We are free to live exactly as we please, and yet, we are always ready to face any danger.... We love beauty without indulging in fancies, and although we try to improve our intellect. this does not weaken our will.... To admit one's poverty is no disgrace with us; but we consider it disgraceful not to make an effort to avoid it. An Athenian citizen does not neglect public affairs when attending to his private business.... We consider a man who takes no interest in the state not as harmless, but as useless; and although only a few may originate a policy, we are all able to judge it. [Emphasis in Popper.] We do not look upon discussion as a stumbling block in the way of political action, but as an indispensable preliminary to acting wisely....

[longtermmemmory]

family who lives in Athens Greece and teaches at Univeristy.

[nicollo]

I am tired of hearing about the differences between a "democracy" and a "republic". The American republic IS a democracy.

Yeah, me, too. It's a trite reply that simplifies the true meaning of a republic: the powers lie in the people, the very essence of a democracy.

I see you're new here. Welcome. You're gonna find here gobs of idiocy, and gems that shine through it. Feel free to ping me on your threads.

[Mihalis]

Thanks for the welcome. You know, idiots are everywhere. But this is the best discussion forum I have seen on the internet. I see that some very intelligent people write here. And the humor can be amazing!

I have to admit that I don't know what "ping" is and how to ping someone.

[nicollo]

The ping is a post to someone to bring their attention to an article or a comment. You will meet the "King of Ping" JohnHuang2, who keeps lists of folks interested in certain topics. I think that the Robinsons (owners of the site) are preparing a user-preference for ping lists. It can be a mess, since some of these are hyper-active, but it's useful if you have a specific interest.

Among the amazing things about this site is the interface. Its the slickest, easiest to see and use forum around. The changes and evolutions have almost all been to the better without losing the good. In so many ways, the accomplishment here is singular on the web.

[SunkenCiv]

GGG managers are SunkenCiv, StayAt HomeMother & Ernest_at_the_Beach	join list or digest view topics view or post blog bookmark post a topic subscribe
Thanks Mihalis. Note: this topic is from 3/31/2003. Blast from the Past. Just adding to the catalog, not sending a general distribution. To all -- please ping me to other topics which are appropriate for the GGG list.