It is true that we ae called a democracy, for the administration is in the hands of the many and not of

the few.

Athens is the school of Hellas

uniqueness and virtue of Athens and its system of government: democracy

Athenian democracy as a system of government where men advance on merit rather than
on class or wealth. In a democracy, “class considerations [are not] allowed to interfere with
merit”

any man capable enough to rule is allowed to do so. In a democracy, men can act how they
wish without fear of judgment or retaliation from their neighbor, so long as they act within
the confines of the law. Pericles glorifies the “equal justice to all” under the law that all men
of Athens share and glorifies their superiority over their peer poleis.

 [Athens] is worthy of admiration”. In spite of his often jingoistic faith in Athens, Pericles is
indeed right in assuming that “the admiration of the present and succeeding ages will be
[Athens’s]”. Even today we view this ancient city as the birthplace of the values of equality
and democracy that we center our government upon.

t is clear that Pericles views democracy as the best form of government and having adopted
it, he views Athens as superior to their fellow city states. In fact, Pericles sees Athens as
having the ultimate possible government; the one best conducive to freedom, liberty,
courage, honor, and justice – the values most honored by the Athenians.

“We cultivate refinement without extravagance and knowledge without effeminacy; wealth
we employ more for use than for show, and place the real disgrace of poverty not in owning
to the fact but in declining the struggle against it.” It is these balanced priorities and powerful
show of moderation that makes Athens great.
That their system of government does not copy the institutions of their neighbors. It is more the case of
our being a model to others than of our imitating anyone else.

When it is a question of disputes, everyone is equal before the law.

Their political life is free and open.

We are free and tolerant in our private lives: but in public affairs we keep to the law.

They give their obedience to those whom they put in positions of authority. And they obey laws
themselves. Especially those which are for the protection of the oppressed and those unwritten laws
which it is an acknowledged shame to break

Their military training is in many respects superior to that of our adversaries.

The individual Athenian in his own person seems to have the power of adapting himself to the most
varied forms of action with the utmost versatility of grace.
Pericles enthusiastically praised the Democracy that Athens has. For Athens Democracy is unique.
Athenian democracy as a system of government where men advance on merit rather than
on class or wealth. In a democracy, “class considerations are not allowed to interfere with
merit”. That their system of government does not copy the institutions of their neighbors. It is more the
case of our being a model to others than of our imitating anyone else. In a democracy, men can act
how they wish without fear of judgment or retaliation from their neighbor, so long as they act
within the confines of the law. Any man capable enough to rule is allowed to do so in a
Democracy. They are free are tolerant in their private lives; but in public affairs we keep to the law.
“Athens is the school of Hellas. The individual Athenian in his own person seems to have the power of
adapting himself to the most varied forms of action with the utmost versatility of grace. “

Pericles is indeed right in assuming that “the admiration of the present and succeeding ages
will be Athens. Even today we view this ancient city as the birthplace of the values of
equality and democracy that we center our government upon. Pericles views democracy as
the best form of government and having adopted it, he views Athens as superior to their
fellow city states. In fact, Pericles sees Athens as having the ultimate possible government;
the one best conducive to freedom, liberty, courage, honor, and justice – the values most
honored by the Athenians.