[p. 133]
are frequent than when they are similar or alike.
The same reasoning applies also to character. In
such a climate arise wildness, unsociability and spirit.
For the frequent shocks to the mind impart wildness,
destroying tameness and gentleness. For this
reason, I think, Europeans are also more courageous
than Asiatics. For uniformity engenders slackness,
while variation fosters endurance in both body and
soul ; rest and slackness are food for cowardice,
endurance and exertion for bravery. Wherefore
Europeans are more warlike, and also because of
their institutions, not being under kings as are
Asiatics. For, as I said above, where there are
kings, there must be the greatest cowards. For
men's souls are enslaved, and refuse to run risks
readily and recklessly to increase the power of
somebody else. But independent people, taking
risks on their own behalf and not on behalf of
others, are willing and eager to go into danger, for
they themselves enjoy the prize of victory. So
institutions contribute a great deal to the formation
of courageousness.
PART 24
XXIV. Such, in outline and in general, is the
character of Europe and of Asia. In Europe too
there are tribes differing one from another in stature,
in shape and in courage. The differences are due to
the same causes as I mentioned above, which I will
now describe more clearly. Inhabitants of a region
which is mountainous, rugged, high, and watered,
