"We have had occasion before now to reflect how often democracies have been overthrown by the desire for some other type of government, how often monarchies and oligarchies have been swept away by movements of the people, how often would-be despots have fallen in their turn, some at the outset by one stroke, while those who have maintained their rule for ever so brief a season are looked upon with wonder as marvels of sagacity and success."
Governments are not constant. Democracies though are formed by the people through voting could be toppled. Movements against governments emerge when people are dissatisfied by their governments and are yearning for different governance. Tyrants, even the most powerful, do not relish power eternally; they are knocked down on some occasions. Accordingly, there is no single government that is free of dissent. Governments have distinct imperfections which contribute to opposition from masses.
“The boy (Cyrus), seeing his grandfather's splendour, kept his eyes fixed on him, and cried, "Oh, mother, how beautiful my grandfather is!" Then his mother asked him which he thought the handsomer, his father or his grandfather, and he answered at once, "My father is the handsomest of all the Persians, but my grandfather much the handsomest of all the Medes I ever set eyes on, at home or abroad."
Cyrus’ response depicts his extraordinary intelligence. He does not want to compare his father’s handsomeness to his grandfather’s. He loves all them equally and appreciates their different appeals. Cyrus’ father is the epitome of Persian appeal whereas his grandfather typifies Medes’ charm. Cyrus does not want to deem both men as less or more handsome than the other. He affirms that both are ‘handsomest’ in their respective rooms; hence, he is an intelligent lad.
“But at last his mother went home, and Cyrus stayed behind and was brought up in Media. He soon made friends with his companions and found his way to their hearts, and soon won their parents by the charm of his address and the true affection he bore their sons, so much so that when they wanted a favour from the king they bade their children ask Cyrus to arrange the matter for them. And whatever it might be, the kindliness of the lad's heart and the eagerness of his ambition made him set the greatest store on getting it done.”
Cyrus is utterly charismatic which enables to coexist with his peers peacefully. His genuine affection for the peers confirms his noble and upright upbringing which enlightens him on the essence of humility. The king adores Cyrus because Cyrus confirms to be a kind and lovable young man. Cyrus is sociable and amiable; hence, he copes well in his environment despite his mother’s departure. He depicts unique responsibility in the way he socializes and relates with others.
“Thus they talked together, and thus they journeyed on until they reached the frontier, and there a good omen met them: an eagle swept into view on the right, and went before them as though to lead the way, and they prayed the gods and heroes of the land to show them favour and grant them safe entry, and then they crossed the boundary. And when they were across, they prayed once more that the gods of Media might receive them graciously.”
The eagle is symbolic of providence. Its appearance convinces Cyrus and his party that their journey would be fortunate and they will not encounter misfortune. Their safety is not threatened in Media because the eagle is a symbol from the gods. The prayers are meant to supplement the symbolic message which is relayed by the eagle which encourages them to progress with their undertaking.
"Do you think, gentlemen," said he, "that our new comrades appear somewhat deficient in certain respects simply because they have not been educated in the same fashion as ourselves? Or will they show themselves our equals in daily life and on the field of battle when the time comes to meet the foe?"
Cyrus’s questions are directed to the soldiers. He addresses them respectfully to motivate them so that they would not belittle their opponents. Cyrus’ impressive leadership and communication skills are contributory to the soldiers’ intrinsic motivation.
