Source edition
Isocrates, Vol. 1. Norlin, George, editor. Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann Ltd., 1928 (printing).
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA (per Perseus's terms)
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This oration presents a guide to the ideal ruler, addressed to Nicocles, the young king of Salamis in Cyprus, offering him practical principles of governance. At the outset, the author declares that giving counsel on how to rule is a far more valuable gift to a monarch than any material offering. He argues that in order to preserve and develop the state, the king must first cultivate his own soul and sharpen his intellect. The text then details practical advice on governance, including love for the subjects, the establishment of just laws, the careful selection of friends, self-control, and the balancing of dignity with approachability. Finally, the author points out that while ordinary people easily succumb to pleasure and flattery, a true ruler must distinguish himself by acquiring virtue through philosophy and experience, valuing wise advisors, and striving for immortal fame.