In like manner, and by a similar train
of argument, the happy state may be shown to be that which is best and
which acts rightly; and rightly it cannot act without doing right
actions, and neither individual nor state can do right actions without
virtue and wisdom. Thus the courage, justice, and wisdom of a state
have the same form and nature as the qualities which give the
individual who possesses them the name of just, wise, or temperate.
Thus much may suffice by way of preface: for I could not avoid
touching upon these questions, neither could I go through all the
arguments affecting them; these are the business of another science.
Let us assume then that the best life, both for individuals and
states, is the life of virtue, when virtue has external goods enough
for the performance of good actions. If there are any who controvert
our assertion, we will in this treatise pass them over, and consider
their objections hereafter.
II
There remains to be discussed the question whether the happiness
of the individual is the same as that of the state, or different. Here
again there can be no doubt- no one denies that they are the same. For
those who hold that the well-being of the individual consists in his
wealth, also think that riches make the happiness of the whole
state, and those who value most highly the life of a tyrant deem
that city the happiest which rules over the greatest number; while
they who approve an individual for his virtue say that the more
virtuous a city is, the happier it is.
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