Page:The cry for justice - an anthology of the literature of social protest. - (IA cryforjusticea00sinc).pdf/492

 The Perfect City

(From "The Republic" of Plato)

(Greek philosopher, B.C. 429-347)

We have, it seems, discovered other things, which our guardians must by all means watch against, that they may nowise escape their notice and steal into the city.

What kinds of things are these?

Riches, said I, and poverty.

Concerning Independence

(Latin poet, B.C. 95-52)

But if men would live up to reason's rules, They would not bow and scrape to wealthy fools.

(From The Hitopadesa)

(Hindu religious work, B.C. 250)

It is better to abandon life than flatter the base. Impoverishment is better than luxury through another's wealth. Not to attend at the door of the wealthy, and not to use the voice of petition, these imply the best life of a man.