Whether the gift when finished shall be worthy of the design, it is hard to tell at the beginning; for many writings both in verse and in prose, while still in the minds of their composers, have aroused high expectations; but when completed and shown to the world have won a repute far inferior to their promise.
And yet the mere attempt is well worth while—to seek a field that has been neglected by others and lay down principles for monarchs; for those who educate men in private stations benefit them alone, but if one can turn those who rule over the multitude toward a life of virtue, he will help both classes, both those who hold positions of authority and their subjects; for he will give to kings a greater security in office and to the people a milder government.
First, then, we must consider what is the function of kings; for if we can properly
encompass the essence of the whole matter in a general principle
And surely this much is clear, that those who are able to do all this, and who pronounce
on matters of so great moment, must not be indolent nor careless, but must see to it that
they are superior to all others in intelligence; for it is evident that they will reign
well or ill according to the manner in which they equip their own minds.
Therefore, no athlete is so called upon to train his body as is a king to train his
soul;
and do not hold the view that while diligence is of use in all other matters it is of no
avail to make us better and wiser; and do not deem us, the human kind, so unfortunate
that, although in dealing with wild beasts we have discovered arts by which we tame their
spirits and increase their worth, yet in our own case we are powerless to help ourselves
in the pursuit of virtue.