The Old Oligarch 3rd Edition: Pseudo-Xenophon's Constitution of the Athenians

A terrific, first person account of one man's contemporary thoughts on the Constitution of the Athenians, as quoted in an ancient document by Xenophon.

The writer divides Athenian society into the "good" (i.e. aristocracy) and the "bad" (i.e. the common man), stating that Athens' democracy does not rest on sound principles; it makes no sense to give decision making power to the "bad" men in society.

But he notes that the system does a commendable job of maintaining a stable democracy, if that was the goal of its constituents.

Good or bad, it's very interesting to hear a contemporary discuss his perspective on such an important subject, adding rich detail to the realities of the time.

I need to find more such short, pointed, contemporary writings.