From Sumerian and Egyptian civilizations to the union of Greek city-states, passing through the Persian empire and the spreading Hellenistic culture13 until reaching the great height of Rome, man rose from his religiosity and geometric shapes to the philosophical and naturalistic inner search. In this spectacular leap he developed concepts such as citizenship, democracy and metaphysics, even flirting with atomic theory14 and heliocentrism15. In attempting to describe his world through reflection, man raised science, the arts and culture to levels not surpassed in the next fifteen centuries.
Scene description:
Cleripe debates with senators a proposal to make the choice for public office even more democratic and fair than the election by vote.
Cleripe debates with senators a proposal to make the choice for public office even more democratic and fair than the election by vote.
CLERIPE
Senators and other free men gathered here, the question remains: how do we solve this impasse?
Senators and other free men gathered here, the question remains: how do we solve this impasse?
CIMON
Dear Cleripe, all of you present here can vote and be voted. There is no more perfect and more democratic form of choice.
Dear Cleripe, all of you present here can vote and be voted. There is no more perfect and more democratic form of choice.
CLERIPE
Senator, we are not saying that the vote be bad. Just showing that it is not fair enough.
Senator, we are not saying that the vote be bad. Just showing that it is not fair enough.
CIMON
How is it not fair? Clistenes Himself16 wouldn't dare so much! (outraged)
How is it not fair? Clistenes Himself16 wouldn't dare so much! (outraged)
TESEFION
Wait a moment, Senator Cimon, let him speak.
Wait a moment, Senator Cimon, let him speak.
CLERIPE
All free men, rich and poor, can vote and be voted. However, political power always remains with the same families.
All free men, rich and poor, can vote and be voted. However, political power always remains with the same families.
CIMON
A family's fortune is not a cause for dishonor, it is a virtue that should be valued!
A family's fortune is not a cause for dishonor, it is a virtue that should be valued!
TESEFION
I agree, Senator Cimon, a man's power and wealth are not a cause for dishonor.
I agree, Senator Cimon, a man's power and wealth are not a cause for dishonor.
CIMON
Thank you, senator.
Thank you, senator.
TESEFION
However, inherited or acquired wealth is not a virtue either, but it always yields many votes. Cleripe has an interesting point.
However, inherited or acquired wealth is not a virtue either, but it always yields many votes. Cleripe has an interesting point.
CIMON
Senator Tesefion, are you saying that I do not have the necessary virtue for the post because I am from an aristocratic family?
Senator Tesefion, are you saying that I do not have the necessary virtue for the post because I am from an aristocratic family?
TESEFION
Not at all! I just remembered that the virtue that we seek is that acquired by the recurring practice of ethics, the practice of what is right even without the obligation to do so.
Not at all! I just remembered that the virtue that we seek is that acquired by the recurring practice of ethics, the practice of what is right even without the obligation to do so.
CLERIPE
For same reason we should not vote for a good tax payer. There is no virtue in passive ethics, when someone acts involuntarily or by coercion.
For same reason we should not vote for a good tax payer. There is no virtue in passive ethics, when someone acts involuntarily or by coercion.
CIMON
What is your proposal, dear Cleripe? What could be better than choosing by vote??
What is your proposal, dear Cleripe? What could be better than choosing by vote??
CLERIPE
Dear senators, I propose a method that treats everyone equally, under the same rules and without distinction: a draw!
Dear senators, I propose a method that treats everyone equally, under the same rules and without distinction: a draw!
TESEFION
It is really an interesting proposal. However, as everyone could participate, are we not at risk of choosing someone without the necessary virtue?
It is really an interesting proposal. However, as everyone could participate, are we not at risk of choosing someone without the necessary virtue?
CLERIPE
All free men can participate but the chosen one must be virtuous and comply with the elective positions criteria17.
All free men can participate but the chosen one must be virtuous and comply with the elective positions criteria17.
CIMON
It will not work. We can raffle someone who lives far inland or on the coast. We cannot depend on someone who is absent most of the time from the assembly ...
It will not work. We can raffle someone who lives far inland or on the coast. We cannot depend on someone who is absent most of the time from the assembly ...
TESEFION
All citizens have the right to speak, equal laws and political participation. If necessary we can think of some form of financial compensation.
All citizens have the right to speak, equal laws and political participation. If necessary we can think of some form of financial compensation.
CLERIPE
No one should be penalized in their right to full democracy. Perfect, Senator! I think we did it.
No one should be penalized in their right to full democracy. Perfect, Senator! I think we did it.
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13 From the Greek, “live like the Greeks”
14 See: Leucipo de Abdera (first half of the 5th century BC) and Democritus of Abdera (460 BC - 370 BC).
15 See: Aristarchus of Samos (310 BC - 230 BC).
16 Popular Athenian aristocratic politician who initiated a series of political-administrative reforms in 508 B.C. that would serve as the basis for modern democracies.
17 Dokimasia was a public hearing in which the candidate's Athenian ancestry, his previous life, his character and the morality of the candidate for public office were verified.
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