PART 23
XXIII. Such is the condition of the Scythians.
The other people of Europe differ from one another
both in stature and in shape, because of the changes
of the seasons, which are violent and frequent,
while there are severe heat waves, severe winters,
copious rains and then long droughts, and winds,
causing many changes of various kinds. Wherefore
it is natural to realize that generation too varies
in the coagulation of the seed,
1 and is not the same
for the same seed in summer as in winter nor in
rain as in drought. It is for this reason, I think, that
the physique of Europeans varies more than that of
Asiatics, and that their stature differs very widely in
each city. For there arise more corruptions in the
coagulation of the seed when the changes of the seasons
[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.
