The Idea of Athens Issues - Assignment Example

He asserts that the government mainly acts as the epitome of the neighboring states as it practices democracy that allows freedom and the rule of the majority. Democracy was purely managed by the majority but not by a few individuals. Moreover, the rotating of public offices ought to undermine an individual's virtues thus no person is held back by poverty so long as they offer good service to the city. The city is free and generous to the public activities of the citizens and corresponding daily lives (Thucydides, 2.37, p. 40-41).

He asserts the management of the city is different from neighboring cities regarding the preparation for war, and this makes it open to all individuals and does not expel strangers to prevent them from learning in the city. Moreover, the city does not depend on secret preparation and deceit but on the courage of action. It is because the enemy usually trains hard from a youthful age, but they live to relax life, and they still experience great dangers as the enemy (Thucydides, 1.77, p. 41).

Pericles asserts that seeking counsel is the best option before undertaking any action with the enemy. It is because they are extremely different from their enemy since they take council in matters of virtue. Moreover, they win the trust of friends by offering favors at the expense of accepting a favor. Friendship of an individual is paid by good deed and considered dull and flat since it does not entail virtue. Read More