ATHENS -- DEMOCRACY -- PERICLES, 430 B.C. AND SOLON, 690 B.C.

Here is a little more of what Pericles and Solon were saying centuries ago about democracy, wealth and laws. Their ideas have been formative for Western Civilization.

Pericles said: "...we do not say that a man who takes no interest in politics is a man who minds his own business; we say he has no business here at all." (Whew, so much for noninvolvement!)

A good Athenian citizen "is able to show himself the rightful lord and owner of his own person, and to do this, moreover, with exceptional grace and exceptional versatility."

"You should fix your eyes every day on the greatness of Athens as she really is, and should fall in love with her. When you realize her greatness, then reflect that what made her great was men with a spirit of adventure, men who knew their duty, men who were ashamed to fall below a certain standard." (Could this apply to America?)

"Famous men have the whole earth as their memorial...not in any visible form, but in people's hearts, their memory abides and grows. It is for you to try to be like them. Make up your minds then that happiness depends upon being free, and freedom depends upon being courageous."

Of course many thinkers contributed to the development of Greek governance. For example, Solon in 691 B.C., put restrictions on the wealthy, forbidding them to display their wealth in an arrogant manner. He said, "...for excess bears arrogance, whenever prosperity attends on men whose minds are not well-balanced. Tame the strong will in your hearts, you who have made your way to the enjoyment of lavish prosperity; keep your high thoughts within moderate bounds; for neither shall we yield to you, nor for yourselves will this course prove expedient." (I think Jesus would like this.)

One author says of Solon: "Solon wanted to see the government of Athens as a government of laws rather than a government of men. To him, laws were not a list of particular rules, but rather were an innate sense of justice and balance, a pattern of living together." (Dawes)

Solon said: "...lawlessness brings innumerable ills to the state, but obedience to the law shows forth all things in order and harmony and at the same time sets shackles on the unjust.. It smooths what is rough, checks greed, dims arrogance, withers the opening bloom of withering folly, makes straight the crooked judgement, tames the deeds of insolence, puts a stop to the works of civil dissension, and ends the wrath of bitter strife. Under its rule, all things among mankind are sane and wise." (Not bad for 691 B.C.!)