BOOK V - CHAPTER II

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_ Since we are inquiring into the causes of seditions and revolutions in
governments, we must begin entirely with the first principles from
whence they arise. Now these, so to speak, are nearly three in number;
which we must first distinguish in general from each other, and
endeavour to show in what situation people are who begin a sedition;
and for what causes; and thirdly, what are the beginnings of political
troubles and mutual quarrels with each other. Now that cause which of
all others most universally inclines men to desire to bring about a
change in government is that which I have already mentioned; for those
who aim at equality will be ever ready for sedition, if they see those
whom they esteem their equals possess more than they do, as well as
those also who are not content with equality but aim at superiority,
if they think that while they deserve more than, they have only equal
with, or less than, their inferiors. Now, what they aim at may be
either just or unjust; just, when those who are inferior are
seditious, that they may be equal; unjust, when those who are equal
are so, that they may be superior. These, then, are the situations in
which men will be seditious: the causes for which they will be so are
profit and honour; and their contrary: for, to avoid dishonour or loss
of fortune by mulcts, either on their own account or their friends,
they will raise a commotion in the state. The original causes which
dispose men to the things which I have mentioned are, taken in one
manner, seven in number, in another they are more; two of which are
the same with those that have been already mentioned: but influencing
in a different manner; for profit and honour sharpen men against each
other; not to get the possession of them for themselves (which was
what I just now supposed), but when they see others, some justly,
others [1302b] unjustly, engrossing them. The other causes are
haughtiness, fear, eminence, contempt, disproportionate increase in
some part of the state. There are also other things which in a
different manner will occasion revolutions in governments; as election
intrigues, neglect, want of numbers, a too great dissimilarity of
circumstances. _

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