Who was the author of the following quote? What relavance is it to you?

1. 85

   My Esotericposted 13 years ago

   Who was the author of the following quote?  What relavance is it to you?
   
   "Our polity does not copy the laws of neighboring states; we are rather a pattern to others than imitators ourselves. It is called a democracy, because not the few but the many govern. 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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2. 0

   Iraqvet32posted 13 years ago

   Pericles. To some it is a interpretation of "equal justice under the law." The only problem is that it had to be translated and there are many translations out there. Basically meaning one has to choose which translation to follow.

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3. 0

   The Quiz Masterposted 13 years ago

   Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War (London, 1896)

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4. 89

   Doc Snowposted 13 years ago

   Sorry, quizmaster, Iraqvet is right.  This particular translation of Pericles' words is from 1874, by Jowett.
   
   But I had to cheat and Google the quote.  The reference:
   
   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equal_justice_under_law
   
   It's a magnificent expression of the democratic ideal, even if it's never been fully realized.

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5. 85

   My Esotericposted 13 years ago

   This one didn't draw as many answers as I would have thought but yes, it was Pericles, in his Funeral Oration speaking about fallen Athens warriors.  If you compare parts of this address and Lincoln's Gettysburg address, if will understand where Lincoln received his inspiration.  I am listening to some lectures on Great Writings where Pericles was referenced, the professor insists, but I haven't been able to verify yet, that it wasn't Lincoln who first coined the "of the people, by the people, for the people" phrase but Pericles in this 461 BC address.
   
   I will be creating hub expanding further on this, especially if I can validate the professor's claim.

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