A few remarks may here be added to what has already been said in vol. i. p. 521 sqq. as to the teaching of this Book.

If we study the eleven causes of στάσις and constitutional change enumerated in c. 2. 1302 a 34 sqq. (see vol. i. p. 523 sqq.), we shall see that they may be grouped under three main heads. Στάσις and constitutional change may arise either from a certain emotional state of the minds of the citizens or some of them, or from social causes, such as the increase of a class in size out of proportion to the rest or the unlikeness of one part of the citizen-body to the other, or from negligence on the part of the authorities of the State and similar causes. It is obvious that a great difference exists between the second group of causes and the two others. Negligence in government can be avoided, and it is possible also to avoid arousing feelings of envy, or contempt, or indignation at oppression or fears of future oppression, but it is far less easy to prevent a class increasing in size or credit, or an individual or individuals acquiring a pre-eminence in power, or to secure the existence of a midway class capable of holding the balance between rich and poor, or to soften distinctions of race or geographical contrasts.