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Fergie Taylor-Gonzalez
July 25th, 2021
World Civilization
Democracy by Ancient Greeks
One of the most valued things many individuals share, it is our democracy. It first started
in ancient Athens, one of the most prominent city-states in the ancient world, and it has been
around since, making it the most common type of government nowadays. Although, our
democracy now it is different from what it was in the old days. For example, in ancient Athens
only free, citizen males had an active part on their democracy. Women, children, and slaves were
not considered citizens, therefore, could not vote or make a speech in their assemblies (Reilly,
2016). Moreover, it is worth to mention that prominent ancient Greeks had different points of
view regarding their democracy like Xenophon, who was against it. Others, like Aristotle,
showed us how democracy could be good or bad, depending on who gets the power, the rich or
the poor. Lastly, we have Pericles, a man that instilled civic values to its citizens and fought for
their democracy. Naturally, those that are against democracy are the ones that do not benefit
from it because they cannot do as they please and they must depend on what the majority is
going to decide. Additionally, we should ask ourselves if is democracy carried out as how it
should be?
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As stated above, it is concluded that Xenophon was against democracy because he stated
that “as for the constitution of the Athenians, their choice of this type of constitution I do not
approve, for in choosing thus they choose that thieves should fare better than the elite” (Fling,
1907). This means that for him, democracy benefited the poor ones the most because with this
type of government, they were part of the decision-making, and they would pass laws that it
would improve their quality of life. Which at the same time, it would prevent the elite to
maintain their power over others that were below them. Furthermore, the elite would not be able
to take advantage of poor people’s conditions.
For Xenophon, having a democracy meant treating the poor, thieves, and the worse
elements of a society well, which would cause their growth in number and democracy would be
exalted. Whereas if the elite is treated well in a democracy, then the democrats would be
strengthening their opponents and it would cause the disappearance of this type of government.
As he mentioned how every member of the elite is opposed to democracy (Fling, 1907). But who
says that those that are part of the elite are not thieves themselves? If they rule over the poor ones
and pass laws that would only benefit them and not the common people, would not be this
considered stealing? Someone does not have to be poor to be a thief, murderer, ignorant, etc. It is
well known that those with money are the ones that get away with justice for the simple fact of
being part of the elite and ancient Athens was not the exception.
On the other hand, Aristotle had a different point of view, in some way, on democracy
compared to Xenophon. Aristotle thought of democracy as good if it was ruled by the middle
class, and not by poor or rich. Although, he stated that it was never or rarely ruled by the
members of the middle class, but either by the elite or those of the lower class (Aristotle,
Politics).
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Aristotle mentioned how the state is by nature clearly prior to the family and individual,
since the whole is a necessity prior to the part, with his example of how if the whole body is
destroyed, there will be no foot or hand (Aristotle, Politics). But the state cannot exist without
the parts either. Additionally, if there is no balance in the state (as seen with a democracy), it
would eventually lead to its destruction. His argument differs from Xenophon in that middle
class should be the one ruling the state but agrees on how poor would take democracy to an
extreme. This only shows their fear of the common people on taking part on what was happening
on their state. However, the main goal of a democracy is for each member of a society to be part
of their political life. It does not mean that poor people will take over the state and rule as they
please.
Pericles, one of the greatest leader of Athens, was one of the biggest promoter of
democracy. He instilled Athenians to be proud of it and the greatness their state had become. As
he stated, “our constitution does not copy the laws of neighboring states; we are rather a pattern
to others than imitators ourselves” (Thucydides, 460 BC). Even though, Pericles was an
aristocratic, he promoted reforms to the Athenian constitution to improve the lives of those in
most need. Therefore, his concept of democracy is so different compared to Xenophon or
Aristotle because he understood that democracy was meant to serve the many instead of the few,
to offer equal justice to anyone regarding of their social standing or class consideration
(Thucydides, 460 BC).
Out of all these three great minds, Pericles was the one that showed love for his state and
a really sense for democracy. He pointed out how their city was worthy of admiration
(Thucydides, 460 BC). How their democracy allowed them to live as the please yet are ready to
encounter any danger (Thucydides, 460 BC). Which is why his value of democracy is the one I
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agree the most. His intentions to have a democracy was not to be able to get richer and help those
in the elite, his main purpose was for everyone be part f it. This is what democracy means, all
citizens making decisions to improve their life, country, etc. Not just to favor some individuals,
whether poor or not.
Unfortunately, our democracy now is different from what it was meant to be. We do elect
those who are going to make decisions for ourselves, but at the end of the day, corruption has
taken over it. It does not matter if they are part of a particular political party, they all have
common interests that need to be preserved, but those interests do not benefit those in lower
classes. This is why I believe democracy is not as how it should be. Politicians will make laws
that favors them and those with power, never to the hardworking class.
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References
Ancient History Sourcebook: Aristotle: The Polis, from Politics. Internet History Sourcebooks.
(n.d.). https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/ancient/aristotle-politics-polis.asp.
Ancient History Sourcebook: The Polity of the Athenians, c. 424 BCE. Internet History
Sourcebooks. (n.d.). https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/ancient/424pol-athens.asp.
Ancient History Sourcebook: Thucydides (c.460/455-c.399 BCE): Pericles' Funeral Oration
from the Peloponnesian War (Book 2.34-46). Internet History Sourcebooks. (n.d.).
https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/ancient/pericles-funeralspeech.asp.
Reilly, K. (2016). The West and the world: a history of civilization from the ancient world to
1700. Markus Wiener Publ.