Ostracism is a measure of the same kind, which acts by
disabling and banishing the most prominent citizens. Great powers do
the same to whole cities and nations, as the Athenians did to the
Samians, Chians, and Lesbians; no sooner had they obtained a firm
grasp of the empire, than they humbled their allies contrary to
treaty; and the Persian king has repeatedly crushed the Medes,
Babylonians, and other nations, when their spirit has been stirred
by the recollection of their former greatness.
The problem is a universal one, and equally concerns all forms of
government, true as well as false; for, although perverted forms
with a view to their own interests may adopt this policy, those
which seek the common interest do so likewise. The same thing may be
observed in the arts and sciences; for the painter will not allow
the figure to have a foot which, however beautiful, is not in
proportion, nor will the shipbuilder allow the stem or any other
part of the vessel to be unduly large, any more than the chorus-master
will allow any one who sings louder or better than all the rest to
sing in the choir. Monarchs, too, may practice compulsion and still
live in harmony with their cities, if their own government is for
the interest of the state. Hence where there is an acknowledged
superiority the argument in favor of ostracism is based upon a kind of
political justice.
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