We now, however, proceed to show what kind of persons the citizens ought naturally to be. But any one may nearly apprehend this, who directs his attention to the most celebrated cities of Greece, and to the whole habitable globe, as divided among different nations. For the nations that live in cold countries, and the inhabitants of [the north of] Europe, are full of animation, but are deficient in understanding and the arts. Hence, they are very tenacious of their liberty; but not being politicians, they are unable to obtain dominion over their neighbours. The inhabitants of Asia, however, abound in understanding, and are skilled in the arts, but are deficient in animation. Hence, they continue to be governed by, and are the slaves of others. But the Grecians, situated as it were between these places, participate of both; for they are animated and intelligent. Hence, they continue to be free, and are governed in the best manner. They would also be able to command all nations, if they formed but one polity. The nations of Greece, however, have the same difference with respect to each other, [as that which we have already mentioned]. For some of them have only naturally one of these powers; but the temperament of others is well-adapted to both of them. It is evident, therefore, that those persons ought to be naturally intelligent and animated who are to be properly led by the legislator to virtue. For as to what is asserted by some persons, that the guardians of the state ought to be friendly to those they know, but hostile to those they know not; it is ardour which causes a man to be beloved; for this is the power of the soul by which we love. As an indication of this, our resentment rises higher against our acquaintance and friends, than against those we know not, if we think we are neglected by them. Hence, Archilochus properly accusing his friends, says, addressing himself to his irascible part,
Are you not strangled by your friends?
Dominion over others, also, and freedom are in all men derived from this power; for the irascible part is of a ruling and unconquered nature. But it is not well to say, that the guardians of the state should be hostile to those whom they know not; for it is not proper to be thus affected towards any one. Nor are magnanimous men naturally of a savage disposition, except to those who act unjustly. But, as was before observed, they are in a still greater degree thus affected towards their familiars, if they think they have injured them. And this happens reasonably; since, besides being injured by those from whom they apprehend they ought to be benefitted, they consider the benefit of which they are deprived. Hence it is said,
Cruel the wars of brethren are.
and
Boundless the hate where measureless the love.
And thus we have nearly determined how many the inhabitants of a city, and what their natural disposition ought to be; and farther still, what should be the extent and quality of the country. For it is not proper to explore the same accuracy in things which are the result of reasoning, as in those which are the progeny of sense.
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