On the Magistrates and Republic of Venice

although I know for certain that no evidence can be brought forward for our republic, it is in itself so illustrious that it will bring much splendor and dignity not only to itself, but also to discourse which might otherwise be meager. For this reason, since I have set out to write about this republic of ours, so that anyone may easily discern whether it is conducted rightly or wrongly, I think that I must take my starting point primarily from this: namely, that man is made by nature a civil animal, and that he cannot live—much less live well—alone. This is clearly shown by daily necessity and the requirements of food and clothing. And for this cause, men came together in this civil society from the beginning, and subsequently persevered in it, so that they might live well and happily; that is, so that by mutual aid and labor they might attain the highest human good, as far as it is possible to do so, as long as we pass this mortal life. For this reason, the entire theory of civil institution also tends toward making citizens capable of a happy life by the easiest path by which this may be achieved. Now, a happy and blessed life is held by the greatest philosophers to consist primarily in the practice of virtue, which they also prove with most certain reasons and most evident arguments.