Areopagiticus

Many of you are wondering, I suppose, what in the world my purpose is[*](Strictly, what my purpose was. The aorist tense reflects the fact that the Athenian orators had to give written notice, in advance, of any subject they proposed to discuss before the General Assembly. See Isoc. 7.15.) in coming forward to address you on The Public Safety, as if Athens were in danger or her affairs on an uncertain footing, when in fact she possesses more than two hundred ships-of-war, enjoys peace throughout her territory, maintains her empire on the sea,[*](The second Athenian Confederacy, organized in 378 B.C. See General Introduction p. xxxvii.)

and has, furthermore, many allies who, in case of any need, will readily come to her aid,[*](He refers here, probably, to allies by special treaty as distinguished from the allies next mentioned, who were members of the Confederacy and under the leadership of Athens. The latter paid their quotas into the Athenian treasury for the support of the Confederate navy.) and many more allies who are paying their contributions[*](In the second Confederacy the word su/ntacis (contribution) was used instead of fo/ros (tribute) which became an odious term in the Confederacy of Delos. Cf. Isoc. 15.123.) and obeying her commands. With these resources, one might argue that we have every reason to feel secure, as being far removed from danger, while our enemies may well be anxious and take thought for their own safety.

Now you, I know, following this reasoning, disdain my coming forward, and are confident that with this power you will hold all Hellas under your control. But as for myself, it is because of these very things that I am anxious; for I observe that those cities which think they are in the best circumstances are wont to adopt the worst policies, and that those which feel the most secure are most often involved in danger.

The cause of this is that nothing of either good or of evil visits mankind unmixed, but that riches and power are attended and followed by folly, and folly in turn by licence;[*](See General Introduction p. xxxiii.) whereas poverty and lowliness are attended by sobriety and great moderation;