To the Children of Jason

Isocrates, Vol. 3. Van Hook, Larue, editor. Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann Ltd., 1945 (printing).

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This work is a letter written by the Athenian rhetorician Isocrates to the children of Jason, the former ruler of Pherae in Thessaly. Regretting that he cannot accept their invitation to visit due to his advanced age and the political situation in Athens, the author instead offers them valuable political and moral advice through this epistle. He begins by emphasizing the crucial importance of establishing a clear fundamental policy for all undertakings and aligning one's actions accordingly. He then argues that the quiet, private life of an ordinary citizen is superior to the insecure and burdensome life of a tyrant. Finally, warning the young recipients against the deception of flatterers who seek only to exploit tyranny for their own gain, Isocrates encourages them to make wise and virtuous choices for their future.