25
Now as to the promises held out by the ambassadors,Probably from the former allies with whom Athens was now at war. what I have said is enough, although one might perhaps add many things to what I have said. But I think we should not go forth from this assembly, having merely adopted resolutions in favor of the peace, without also taking counsel how we shall keep it, and not do what we are in the habit of doing—namely, getting ourselves involved again in the same disorders after a short interval of timeCf. Isoc. 5.8.—and how we shall devise, not merely a postponement, but some means of permanent deliverance from our present ills.
26
But no such thing can come to pass until you are persuaded that tranquillity is more advantageous and more profitable than meddlesomeness,Meddlesomeness, ἡ πολυπραγμοσύνη, is used here and elsewhere in the speech as the opposite of ἡσυχία ( or σωφροσύνη, moderation, self-control). The latter contains the idea of quiet living and minding one’s own business in private relations, and in foreign relations, of pursuing peace and avoiding aggression. justice than injustice, and attention to one’s own affairs than covetousness of the possessions of others. This is a theme on which none of the orators has ever made bold to address you. I, however, shall devote most of my discourse to this very subject. For I observe that happiness is to be found in these ways of life and not in those which we now follow.
27
But anyone who attempts to discourse on a subject out of the common and who desires to bring about a change in your opinions must needs touch upon many matters and speak somewhat at length, now reminding, now rebuking, now commending, and again counselling you. For hardly with all these aids can you be led to a better way of thinking.
