Free Political Propositions

to be observed, upheld, and well-liberated and protected against all violence coming from within and without, and shall always be able to grow and flourish in an imperturbable well-being. For even if one knew how to propose the very best propositions and rules for the maintenance of a commonwealth to a gathering of people, and alongside that knew of no means by which the same propositions or rules could be introduced and well-maintained among a gathering of people, it is clear enough that little or nothing will be accomplished for such a gathering. The names of Master and Slave, as being two extreme powers, may not be named in a well-ordered Republyck Republic, much less be brought into practice or effect. For in a free Republic, country, city, or citizenry, no one can be distinguished as serving or being served. Or, if there is a place for it, it may be because of the inequality of the soul's and body's capacity, the lesser and greater dignity of mutual service. Nevertheless, for that reason, a sufficiently reasonable path and opening must be left for all servile servitude, so that those who strive for it may be able to attain a more worthy council. For where the contrary takes place, there is no lack of resentment or dissatisfaction. And which, in time, can cause and bring about harmful and rotten fruits for a society or gathering of people. The same, as is generally practiced in this world, to strive always to counter by violent means, is, in our judgment, to hold back the greater evil for a while, but eventually to cause it to burst forth all the more violently and fearfully, like a dammed-up stream. And from which then, most of the time, very sorrowful devastations of land and people arise, with the oppressors often finding themselves miserably destroyed and suppressed along with the oppressed at the end. And if it is permitted to speak thus, both receive their just punishment: the one because he has desired and taken far too much for himself, and the other because he has trusted and neglected far too much. Furthermore, at its best, under such a forced large crowd of opinionated people, there can be observed or found not the least foundation or bond of peace and concord, let alone any genuine inclination toward love. And therefore, one may weigh and consider as one can or may, whether in a society or gathering of many people, all without distinction or regard for persons, both common and private members or citizens, can be understood and governed under an equally shared interest to always attain a better state. And that which almost always gives reason for dissatisfaction, sooner or later, must finally bend or burst within itself. Furthermore, such a society, notwithstanding all their outward splendor or luster of power and strength of walls, etc., when seen within, finds itself so weakened and unsupported that it cannot remain united against the slightest hard-pressing adversity from outside, and especially against internal disagreements and strife, and can easily be conquered and suppressed. And it is here that all known, self-proclaimed politicians err and miss the mark most highly. For, not being able to envision a true, genuine commonwealth containing the equally shared freedom, one sees them constantly and almost entirely falling into infinite errors and trivialities.