of the law.
             The city of Athens stood by itself, it needed no others to help it. She left her gates open to all and did not concern herself with excluding foreigners. Her military stood alone. Athens never advanced into another territory with Allies, she did it alone unlike Sparta. He also marvels in the fact that Athens does not live for the fear of war. He states that they live free, but are always ready if in danger. He even goes so far to say that his enemies are happy with a victory over a small part of the army.
             The city of Athens truly was the marvel of it's time. It was unparalleled in government, education, military and many other things. In his oration Pericles boosts about the cities he lives, and the people who make it that way. Athens truly was a model to those around them.
             Pericles praises Athens for her form of government - democracy - because it is only in a democracy that citizens are encouraged to contribute and participate in self-rule. Democracy brings equality, merit brings public success, social and economic mobility is encouraged, and the law protects all: "We alone consider the man who refuses to take part in city affairs useless," Pericles announces. And he gets in a jab at Sparta by proudly proclaiming that "rather than look upon discussion as a stumbling-block in the way of action, we think it is an indispensable preliminary to any wise action at all."
             The institutions of Athenian democracy back up Pericles' claim. Ordinary citizens made up almost all the governing bodies of 5th century Athens. Pericles encourages his audience "to realize the greatness of Athens" and enjoy everything the city has to offer:
             "Further, we provide many ways to refresh the mind from the burdens of business. We hold contests and offer sacrifices all the year round, and the elegance of our private establishments forms a daily source of pleasure and helps to drive away sorrow. The magnitude of our city draws the ...