PART 16
XVI. So much for the difference, in nature and
in shape, between the inhabitants of Asia and the
inhabitants of Europe. With regard to the lack of
spirit and of courage among the inhabitants, the
chief reason why Asiatics are less warlike and more
gentle in character than Europeans is the uniformity
of the seasons, which show no violent changes either
towards heat or towards cold, but are equable. For
there occur no mental shocks nor violent physical
change, which are more likely to steel the temper
and impart to it a fierce passion than is a monotonous
sameness. For it is changes of all things that rouse
the temper of man and prevent its stagnation. For
these reasons, I think, Asiatics are feeble. Their
institutions are a contributory cause, the greater
part of Asia being governed by kings. Now where
men are not their own masters and independent,
but are ruled by despots, they are not keen on
military efficiency but on not appearing warlike.
For the risks they run are not similar. Subjects
are likely to be forced to undergo military service,
fatigue and death, in order to benefit their masters,
and to be parted from their wives, their children
and their friends. All their worthy, brave deeds
merely serve to aggrandize and raise up their lords,
while the harvest they themselves reap is danger
and death. Moreover, the land of men like these
[p. 117]
must be desert, owing to their enemies and to their
laziness,
1 so that even if a naturally brave and
spirited man is born his temper is changed by their
institutions. Whereof I can give a clear proof.
All the inhabitants of Asia, whether Greek or
non-Greek, who are not ruled by despots, but are
independent, toiling for their own advantage, are
the most warlike of all men. For it is for their
own sakes that they run their risks, and in their
own persons do they receive the prizes of their
valour as likewise the penalty of their cowardice.
You will find that Asiatics also differ from one
another, some being superior, others inferior. The
reason for this, as I have said above, is the changes
of the seasons.
