knowing that all governments—oligarchies as well as the others—have the longest life when
 they best serve the masses. You will be a wise leader of the people if you do not allow
 the multitude either to do or to suffer outrage, but see to it that the best among them
 shall have the honors, Cf. Isoc.
 3.14 . while the rest shall suffer no impairment of their rights; for
 these are the first and most important elements of good government. When public ordinances and institutions are not well founded, alter and change them. If
 possible, originate for yourself what is best for your country, but, failing in this,
 imitate what is good in other countries. Seek laws that are altogether just and expedient
 and consistent with each other and, moreover, those which cause the fewest possible
 controversies and bring about the speediest possible settlements for your citizens; for
 all these qualities should be found in wise legislation. Make industry profitable for your people and lawsuits detrimental, in order that they may
 shun the latter and embrace the former with greater willingness. In pronouncing on matters
 about which there is mutual dispute, do not render decisions which exhibit favoritism or
 inconsistency, but let your verdicts on the same issues be always the same; for it is both
 right and expedient that the judgements of kings on questions of justice should be
 invariable, like wisely ordained laws. Manage the city as you would your ancestral estate: in the matter of its appointments,
 splendidly and royally; in the matter of its revenues, strictly, in order that you may
 possess the good opinion of your people and at the same time have sufficient means.
 Display magnificence, not in any of the extravagant outlays which straightway vanish, but
 in the ways which I have mentioned, and in the beauty of the objects which you possess,
 and in the benefits which you bestow upon your friends; for such expenditures will not be
 lost to you while you live, and you will leave to those who follow you a heritage worth
 more than what you have spent. In the worship of the gods, follow the example of your ancestors, but believe that the
 noblest sacrifice and the greatest devotion is to show yourself in the highest degree a
 good and just man; for such men have greater hope of enjoying a blessing from the
 gods Cf. Isoc. 1.39 and
 note. than those who slaughter many victims. Honor with office those of your
 friends who are nearest of kin, but honor in very truth those who are the most loyal.