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But apart from all this, they are mistaken who think that engaging in public affairs is, like going to sea or to a war, something undertaken for an object distinct from itself and ceasing when that object is attained; for engaging in public affairs is not a special service which is ended when the need ends, but is a way of life of a tamed social animal Cf. Aristotle, Politics, i. 2, where man is called a social (πολιτικόν) animal. living in an organized society, intended by nature to live throughout its allotted time the life of a citizen and in a manner devoted to honour and the welfare of mankind. Therefore it is fitting that men should be engaged, not merely have ceased to be engaged, in affairs of State, just as it is fitting that they should be, not have ceased to be, truthful, that they should do, not have ceased to do, right, and that they should love, not have ceased to love, their native land and their fellow-citizens. For to these things nature leads, and these words she suggests to those who are not entirely ruined by idleness and effeminacy: Your sire begets you of great worth to menNauck, Trag. Graec. Frag. p. 917, adespota no. 410 quoted also Moralia, 1099 a. and Let us ne’er cease from doing mortals good.Nauck, Trag. Graec. Frag. p. 917, adespota no. 410 quoted also Moralia, 1099 a.
