Book IV.
Chap. 8.making a change in music, without changing likewise the frame f government. Aristotle, who seems to have wrote his politics only in order to contradict Plato, agrees with him notwithstanding, in regard to the power and influence of music over the manners of the people. This was also the opinion of Theophrastus, of Plutarch[1], and of all the ancients; an opinion grounded on mature reflection; being one of the principles of their politics[2]. Thus it was they enacted laws, and thus they required that cities should be governed.
This I fancy may be explained in the following manner. It is observable that in the cities of Greece, especially those whose principal object was war, all lucrative arts and prosessions were considered as unworthy of a freeman. Most arts, says Xenophon[3], corrupt and enervate the bodies of those that that exercise them; they oblige them to sit under a shade, or near the fire. They can find no leisure, either for their friends, or for the republic. It was only by the corruption of some democracies that artisans became freemen. This we learn from Aristotle[4], who maintains, that a well regulated republic will never give thorn the right and freedom of the city[5].
- ↑ Life of Pelopidas.
- ↑ Plato in his fourth book of laws, says, that the prefectures of music and gymnic exercises are the most important employments in the city; and in his Republic, Book 3. Damon will tell you, says he, what sounds are capable of inspiring a meanness of soul, infolence, and the contrary virtues.
- ↑ Book 5th of memorable Sayings.
- ↑ Polit. Book 3. Chap. 4.
- ↑ Diophantes, says Aristotle, Polit. ch. 7. made a law formerly at Athens that artisans should be slaves to the republic.
