From: Isidore of Pelusium, monk
To: Theodoret the Presbyter; then to Demos of Pelusium
Date: ~410 AD
Context: Two letters — the first on why the capacity for good rule is trained in subordination; the second to Demos of Pelusium.
Nothing makes one fit to rule lawfully so much as having been ruled lawfully. For the man who is good in the rank of subject will be good in the rank of leader too. But those who are quick to dominate and take the lead in everything, and unfit to be governed — these are also the least fit to govern. The person who resents every limit placed on him has not understood yet what limits are for; he is therefore not yet fit to set limits on others.
To Demos of Pelusium: You are receiving praise from the bishop — which I am glad to hear. But do not let praise become the object. The man who governs well because he wants to be praised for it has not yet found the right motive, and the right motive matters, because when praise is withdrawn the motive disappears with it. Act well because the office requires it and because those under your care deserve it. That motive never runs out.
To:Theodoret the Presbyter; then to Demos of Pelusium
Date:~410 AD
Context:Two letters — the first on why the capacity for good rule is trained in subordination; the second to Demos of Pelusium.
Nothing makes one fit to rule lawfully so much as having been ruled lawfully. For the man who is good in the rank of subject will be good in the rank of leader too. But those who are quick to dominate and take the lead in everything, and unfit to be governed — these are also the least fit to govern. The person who resents every limit placed on him has not understood yet what limits are for; he is therefore not yet fit to set limits on others.
To Demos of Pelusium: You are receiving praise from the bishop — which I am glad to hear. But do not let praise become the object. The man who governs well because he wants to be praised for it has not yet found the right motive, and the right motive matters, because when praise is withdrawn the motive disappears with it. Act well because the office requires it and because those under your care deserve it. That motive never runs out.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.