“Our institutions do not emulate the laws of others.  We do not copy our neighbours; rather, we are an example to them.  Our system is called a democracy, for it respects the majority and not the few; but while the law secures equality to all alike in their private disputes, the claim of excellence is also recognized; and when a citizen is in any way distinguished, he is generally preferred to the public service, not in rotation, but for merit.  Nor again is there any bar in poverty and obscurity of rank to a man who can do the state some service.  It is as free men that we conduct our public life, and in our daily occupations we avoid mutual suspicions; we are not angry with our neighbour if he does what he likes; we do not put on sour looks at him which, though harmless, are not pleasant.  While we give no offense in our private lives, in our public acts we are prevented from doing wrong by fear; we respect the authorities and the laws, especially those which are ordained for the protection of the injured as well as those unwritten laws which bring upon the transgressor admitted dishonour.”