
A fragment of an ancient Greek legal collection opens with a lively dialogue between an Athenian thinker, the jurist Kleinas, and the statesman Megillos. Their conversation probes the very foundations of law‑making, questioning how rulers can balance personal ambition with the common good. The speakers invoke the myths of Argos and Messene, warning that unchecked authority can erode the very strength of the polis.
The text moves beyond mere historical record, turning into a meditation on moderation, justice, and the role of wisdom in governance. It suggests that true legislation must temper power with measured restraint, lest the law itself become a tool of oppression. Listeners are invited to reflect on how the ancient debates echo in today’s struggles to craft fair and lasting institutions.
Language
el
Duration
~3 hours (203K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2011-05-15
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

-428–-348
One of the foundational thinkers of Western philosophy, this ancient Greek writer explored justice, love, knowledge, and the ideal state through vivid dialogues that still feel alive today. His works, many featuring Socrates as a central voice, have shaped philosophy, politics, ethics, and education for more than two millennia.
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