I was doing a homework assignment and these words stuck out.
"It is clear from our argument, first, that the best form of political society is where power is vested in the middle class, and, secondly, that good government is attainable in those states where there is a large middle class---large enough, if possible, to be stronger than both of the other classes, but at any rate large enough to be stronger than either of them singly; for in that case its addition to either will suffice to turn the scale, and will prevent either of the opposing extremes from becoming dominant. It is therefore the greatest of blessings for a state that its members should possess a moderate and adequate property. Where some have great possessions, and others have nothing at all, the result is either an extreme democracy or an unmixed oligarchy, or it may even be, indirectly, as a reaction against these extremes---a tyranny."
- Aristotle, The Politics
"But the most foolish notion of all is the belief that everything is just which is found in the customs or laws of nations. Would that be true, even if these laws had been enacted by tyrants? If the well-known Thirty had desired to enact a set of laws at Athens, or if the Athenians without exception were delighted by the tyrants' laws, that would not entitle such laws to be regarded as just, would it? No more, in my opinion, should that law be considered just which a Roman interrex purposed, to the effect that a dictator might put to death with impunity any citizen he wished, even without trial. For Justice is one; it binds all human society, and is based on one Law, which is right reason applied to command and prohibition. Whoever knoews not this Law, whether it had been recorded in writing anywhere or not, is without Justice."
- Cicero, On The Republic
