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Our constitution does not copy the laws of neighboring states; we are rather a pattern to others than imitators ourselves. Its administration favors the many instead of the few; this is why it is called a democracy. If we look to the laws, they afford equal justice to all in their private differences; if to social standing, advancement in public life falls to reputation for capacity, class considerations not being allowed to interfere with merit; nor again does poverty bar the way, if a man is able to serve the state, he is not hindered by the obscurity of his condition.

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load focus Notes (E.C. Marchant, 1891)
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  • Commentary references to this page (2):
    • E.C. Marchant, Commentary on Thucydides Book 1, 1.6
    • Harold North Fowler, Commentary on Thucydides Book 5, 5.31
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